Canada Child Benefit to provide millions more in support to Island families

The new Canada Child Benefit will provide more than $20 million directly to Island families beginning this month.
 
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Premier Wade MacLauchlan visited CHANCES in Stratford this morning to visit Island children who will directly benefit from the funding, share details of the benefit and encourage eligible Islanders to ensure they receive the benefit by having their taxes filed.
 
“The Government of Canada’s Canada Child Benefit is simpler, tax-free, better targeted, and more generous than the existing child benefits,” said Minister MacAulay. “It will help Island parents with the high costs of raising their kids and put more money in the pockets of Islanders while helping the middle class. It will also lift 300,000 Canadian children out of poverty, so that they can have the chance to reach their full potential.”
 
The Canada Child Benefit replaces the current suite of child benefits, starting the end of July. It is tax-free and based on income, so it will provide more support to those who need help the most. Eligible families will automatically start receiving the new Canada Child Benefit as of July 2016.
 
To be eligible, families with children under 18 years of age must file their yearly income taxes with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Islanders needing assistance filing their taxes can call 1-855-516-4405 to see if they are eligible for the CRA Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
 
Receiving this benefit will not affect eligibility for Social Assistance or Housing Services’ benefits. 
 
Canada Post as agreed to continue to deliver Canada Child Benefit cheques, even in the event of a postal strike.
 
“The new Canada Child Benefit will bring $21 million in increased support to eligible Island families, for the benefit of their children,” said Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan. “The new benefit will be easier for Islanders to access and will more equitably distribute this important funding to families across the province.”
 
For more information visit Canada Child Benefit.
 
The Canada Revenue Agency offers free tax preparation help to eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
 
Media contacts:
Mary Moszynski
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
Government of Prince Edward Island
902-368-4400
mamoszynski@gov.pe.ca
 
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Government of Canada
guy.gallant@canada.ca
Tel: 613-773-1059