Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Residents of West Quebec struggling to file their taxes or navigate government services will
soon have access to free tax clinics and a comprehensive Super Clinic, organized by the
Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) in partnership with the Canada Revenue
Agency (CRA) and local community organizations.

The tax clinics, open from March 3 rd to April 15 th , will provide low-income individuals with free tax
preparation services by trained volunteers. The drop-off service, available on Mondays,
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays,10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 3:00 pm, does not require
an appointment. “We aim to make the process as accessible as possible for those who qualify,”
said Tim Foisy, a volunteer coordinator with the initiative. He clarified that while the tax clinics
are open to all low-income individuals, the returns must be simple, excluding complex financial
scenarios like property sales or investment income. The CRA defines low-income eligibility as
earning less than $45,000 annually.

In addition to the tax clinics, an innovative Super Clinic will be open on March 25 th from 10:00
am to 5:00 pm at the Deschênes Community Centre, 55 Chemin Vanier in Aylmer. The Super
Clinic is designed as a one-stop hub for essential services, offering in-person assistance from
agencies such as Service Canada, Revenu Québec, and Services Québec. Attendees will be
able to file tax returns, inquire about benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, Disability Tax Credit,
Employment Insurance, and obtain official documents such as a Social Insurance Number. The
event is open to everyone, regardless of income level, to seek guidance, gain information from
these agencies or complete their taxes onsite with the assistance of professionals.

Jeanne Nivischiuk, the office administrator and project coordinator, highlighted the importance
of bringing these services directly to the community. “Many people face barriers in accessing
these essential services, whether due to long wait times, language barriers, or lack of
information. The Super Clinic is designed to remove those obstacles and provide immediate
support.”

Several tax information sessions will also be offered:
● For seniors: March 13, 9:30 – 11:00 am at the Deschênes Community Centre, covering
topics such as pension income, CPP recovery tax, income splitting, medical expenses,
and tax credits.
● For persons with disabilities and caregivers: March 12, 1:30 – 3:00 pm at Deschênes
Community Centre, discussing the Disability Tax Credit, caregiver credits, home
accessibility expenses, and medical deductions.
● For newcomers and families: March 12, 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Deschênes Community
Centre, focusing on tax benefits and available resources.
● For students: March 13, 12:00 – 1:00 pm at CEGEP Heritage College, with tax filing days
on March 18 and April 15 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.​

Alina Holmes, Program Director at RAWQ, emphasized the broader impact of these efforts.
“The goal is not just to help people file their taxes, but to ensure they are accessing all the
benefits and credits they qualify for. Many individuals don’t realize they are eligible for refunds,
and we want to make sure they receive every financial support available to them.”

Tim Foisy further elaborated on the tax clinic structure: “This year, we’re focusing on a
streamlined drop-off system to make the process even easier. People can drop off their
documents, and our volunteer tax preparers will complete the returns before handing them
back. This ensures efficient service while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.”

Residents interested in the tax clinics must bring proper identification, all relevant tax slips (T4,
RL slips, and other income statements), a notice of assessment from the previous year, and any
applicable receipts for deductions. The Super Clinic will also feature representatives who can
assist with employment insurance applications, Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Canada
Learning Bond, job search support, and social assistance inquiries.

For more information on the upcoming tax clinics or the Super Clinic, residents are encouraged
to contact RAWQ at 819-682-9602 or visit www.westquebecers.ca .

Photo: Free tax clinics and a comprehensive Super Clinic, organized by the Regional
Association of West Quebecers in partnership with the CRA and local organizations, will provide
low-income residents with free tax preparation services, financial guidance, and access to
essential government benefits from March 3 to April 15. (TF) Photo: courtesy of the CRA