Low-income Calgarians who depend on government benefits are experiencing delays and confusion in filing their taxes as a result of the ongoing strike that is affecting federal government workers, including Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees. The strike has stretched for nine days and is affecting 39,000 CRA employees, causing stress among people who rely on government assistance. Anti-poverty groups are hoping that there will be no delay in benefits, as many of their clients depend on government help, especially in the current economy.
At Rise Calgary, an anti-poverty support service in the southeast, some low-income Calgarians like Roy Farr and Andie Wolf Leg have been able to file their income taxes on time with the help of the organization. However, they are unclear about all the benefits they are entitled to as seniors on a fixed, low income. Rise Calgary officials are worried that this tax season may feature increased confusion and delays because of the ongoing strike, which could affect the ability of low-income Canadians to access important benefits.
Salimah Kassam, a leader at Rise Calgary, believes there should be an extension of the deadline to file taxes. Kassam says her organization is one of many that helps prepare 10,000 returns a year for low-income Calgarians, and that crucial benefits are offered at tax time to help families, seniors, and those living with disabilities. She is concerned that more people are unclear about when they will receive those supports.
Courtney Mo, Director of Community Impact at Momentum, a financial support charity, says tax filing is often the first step to accessing income support and credits. She encourages low-income individuals to file their taxes, as they are much more likely to receive vital income if they do so. The CRA says it will accept all returns during the labour disruption but expects delays in processing any returns that are not submitted electronically.