Picton, ON – An expanded tax-filing program offered by the Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC) will ensure more residents economically impacted by COVID-19 can access federal and provincial funding.
“We are doing what we can to help reduce barriers Prince Edward County residents face in accessing COVID-19 related support from upper levels of government,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “Because residents need to have filed their taxes last year to access funding, we have fast-tracked support for Prince Edward Learning Centre, which is helping the most vulnerable members of our community during this extremely difficult time.”
The municipality is supporting PELC’s program through the Municipal Community Grant Program. The County Foundation, which administers the grant program, recommended the municipality accept PELC’s funding request. Under the authority recently delegated by Council, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Marcia Wallace has approved a grant to PELC in the amount of $17,873.
With the grant, PELC will provide free, online support to people who wish to file their tax returns. In addition to accessing COVID-19 related support, people who file their tax returns may qualify for additional government support programs they were not previously receiving.
PELC had submitted a grant request during the 2020 intake of the Municipal Community Grant Program. Given the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, The County Foundation is delaying any decisions about other grant applications until the full impact of the pandemic outbreak is known. Questions or concerns can be directed to Jefferson Gilbert, Executive Director at The County Foundation, at 613.476.7901 extension 218 or email ED@thecountyfoundation.ca.
The County Foundation creates COVID-19 fund
The County Foundation has established the PEC Helping PEC – COVID-19 Fund. The goal is to connect funding to community agencies that support the needs of vulnerable communities throughout the County.
The County Foundation aims to raise $100,000 for food banks, food initiatives, and groups that provide food and health support in the County. Please visit thecountyfoundation.ca/covid-19-fund to donate and learn more.
More information
For the most recent information on COVID-19, refer to the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health website for local updates and the Ministry of Health for provincial updates. Information on the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak can be found on the municipal website.
