November 3, 2005

Vibrant Communities Edmonton Launches First City-Wide Campaign: Make Tax Time Pay

Vibrant Communities Edmonton is launching its inaugural campaign: Make Tax Time Pay, on November 8, 2005 at 10 a.m at their office located at The Business Link, 10237 - 104 St., Edmonton.

Vibrant Communities Edmonton, part of a national initiative involving 16 communities across Canada, creates collaborations between business, government, non-profit organizations and people who live with low income to assist families in building assets and increasing income. Through community partnerships between diverse sectors, Vibrant Communities is increasing access to financial literacy education, benefits such as the Alberta Child Health Benefit and Alberta Health Care Premium Subsidies, home ownership, and alternative banking services.

Despite Edmonton’s strong economy, 20% of its citizens are living at or below the low income cut off. A growing number of people find themselves in jobs that leave them struggling to pay for basic needs and many are unaware of existing programs that provide assistance to working families and individuals. Vibrant Communities Edmonton ensures various sectors work together to influence policy, raise public profile and keep citizens informed of available programs and develop innovative approaches to building family economic success.

“We believe that by getting people who don’t necessarily always work together to build on the programs and benefits that already exist in our community, we can help families and individuals who are working to get the help they need to make ends meet,” says Karen Gingras, Executive Director, Vibrant Communities Edmonton. “When people start to pool networks, share ideas and collaborate, great things happen and that’s the power behind the Make Tax Time Pay campaign.”

Make Tax Time Pay will assist 500 families access various existing benefits and subsidies that include the Alberta Child Health Benefit. Approximately 23,000 Edmonton families are eligible for this benefit yet only just over 8,000 families are receiving it. On average, $265 per child per family per year is paid out for health services with this benefit. To apply, an individual must have completed their tax returns. As a result, this campaign includes participation by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Canada Revenue Agency, The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, numerous non-profit organizations and people who are earning low wages. Together, they are increasing the opportunities for free tax preparation in the city of Edmonton while enabling eligible families who are working and earning low wages to access available benefits and subsidies.

Join Co Chairs Dr. Wayne Shillington, President, NorQuest College and Mathilde Balu, a citizen representative, along with guests representing the City of Edmonton, the Business Community, Canada Revenue Agency the United Way of The Alberta Capital Region and many other partners as they launch the Vibrant Communities Edmonton 2005 and the Make Tax Time Pay Campaign.

For more information contact:

Karen Gingras, Executive Director
Vibrant Communities Edmonton

Phone: 780 428 1866
E-mail: karengingras@vibrantedmonton.ca
Web: www.vibrantedmonton.ca