Help with Income Tax Returns
People working in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program assist in preparing tax returns for seniors, students, and other low-income populations. Call to find out if you qualify for free assistance or to offer your services as a volunteer.
Phone: 1-800-959-8281.
Tax Benefits
To learn about your eligibility for tax benefits, use the online calculator at the website: www.fin.gc.ca (“Taxes and Tariffs”).
The Canada Child Tax Benefit
This is a tax-free monthly payment that helps parents with the costs of raising children under the age of 18. To receive it, you should apply to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, and both spouses must file tax returns. Also, remember to notify them promptly of any address changes.
Phone: 1-800-387-1193
Website: www.ccra.gc.ca/benefits
GST Rebate
If your income is modest, you may qualify for a full or partial Goods and Services Tax (GST) rebate. The rebate can be issued by cheque (annually) after filing your income tax return, which will indicate whether you qualify for the rebate.
Phone: 1-800-959-1953
Website: www.ccra.gc.ca/benefits
Vehicle Safety and Sanitation Research
In Canada, automotive research focuses on ensuring vehicles are safe for driving and the environment. The Canadian AUTO21 network, which brings together over 200 experts and is led by researchers from the University of Windsor, is a leading force in such research.
Website: http://www.auto21.ca/en/
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating offers tips for organizing healthy meals and lifestyle choices.
Website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living will help you become more physically active.
Phone: 1-888-334-9769
Website: http://ww1.paguide.com
Helpful Information
How safe is your mobile phone? How to protect your family from food poisoning? How to avoid getting sick from consuming tap water? How to store household chemicals? You can find a wealth of useful information and tips like these by visiting the website.
Website: www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Helping Children in Difficult Family Situations
Family issues are not always easy, but conflicts can be resolved if you know what to expect. The Government of Canada publishes a series of documents aimed at helping children and based on the framework of divorce laws.
Website: www.Canada.justice.gc.ca (“Program and Services”).
The Canada Education Savings Grant
One great way to help our children is saving money for their future education. The Canada Education Savings Grant is an official grant that is paid in addition to your child’s Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). The Government of Canada will top up 20% of your savings — up to a maximum of $400 per year — until the child turns 17 years old.
Phone: 1-800-622-6232,
Website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/cesg.shtml
For Young Canadians
Youth Link is a great tool that helps teenagers find ways to utilize their skills. Here you will find over 230 programs, services, and resources to assist young people in planning their careers, finding summer jobs, gaining work experience, and choosing the best training program for that career or specialty.
Phone: 1-800-935-5555
Website: www.youth.gc.ca
The Canadian Army
Dreaming of joining the Canadian Armed Forces or finding a job in the military? Over 100 professions, ranging from dental assistant and infantry soldier to high-class engineer, can be pursued in military service.
Phone: 1-800-856-8488
Website: www.forces.ca
