GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
May 27, June 28, July 27, August 29
September 28, October 27, November 28, December 21
CANADA REVENUE AGENCY
On the tax side of things, it’s business as usual. We continue to administer tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories. We also continue to look after social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system.
Burnaby-Fraser Tax Services Office:
9737 King George Highway, Surrey V3T 5W6
Individual income tax enquiries:
1-800-959-8281
Our automated service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Agents are available during regular and extended service hours.
www.cra.gc.ca
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
INCOME SECURITY PROGRAMS
Social Development Canada provide speakers to give free of charge seminars on all Income Security Programs administered by them and adapted to needs of individual groups.
www.servicecanada.gc.ca
English -1-800-277-9914
French - 1-800-277-9915
TDD/TTY Only -1-800-255-4786
Phone the toll free number for an appointment, enquiries, information, applications, publications.
Income Security Programs
PO Box 1177, Victoria, BC V8W 2V2
Canada Pension Plan
only if you have contributed to the Plan may you and your dependents be eligible for benefits. You must apply for each of the following: Retirement Pension - qualified contributor, reaching age 60 if retired, or else 65.
Disability Pension - must have contributed to CPP for 4 of the last 6 years, be physically or mentally disabled, and under age 65.
Survivor’s Allowance - surviving spouse (child) of qualified contributor may receive benefit if he/she meets certain requirements.
Death Benefit
cash payment to estate of deceased for those who qualify • deceased must have been a qualified contributor • amount based on number of years contributed • intended to assist with final expenses.
Old Age Security Pension
All Canadians over 65 who meet residence requirements qualify for this monthly pension • you must apply and should do so six months before your 65th birthday • basic pension is payable regardless of other income, assets, or working status • amount adjusted quarterly based on Cost of Living Index.
Guaranteed Income Supplement
If you receive Old Age Security Pension and have modest or no income, you may be eligible for a monthly payment added to Old Age Security • you must apply • renewal occurs each year based on yearly income.
Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor
If your spouse is receiving Old Age Security you may be eligible • a monthly Allowance for person 60-64 • you must apply • renewal each year • income and residence requirements must be met • OAS Act allows payment to all age 60-64 low-income widows/widowers who reside in Canada, meet residence requirements, regardless of where spouse died.
VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA
Bureau of Pensions Advocates
Is an independent agency established for sole purpose of providing free legal aid to pension applicants in preparation and presentation of claims.
Canada Pension Commission
Administers Pension Act and Legislation under which pensions are awarded as compensation for disability and death related to military service.
Veterans Services - provide a comprehensive counselling and referral service for eligible veterans and
their dependents.
War Veterans Allowance - income assistance for veterans, subject to modified income test.
Veterans’ Independence Program - veterans prevented from receiving WVA because of income received under Old Age Security Act or similar age related legislation of another country, may now be eligible for VIP benefits.
Aging Veterans Program - payment of contributions towards home/health care support services. Treatment Benefits - payment of medical cost of prescribed treatment for qualifying veterans.
Funeral and Burial - grant towards funeral and burial of eligible veterans, depending upon assets.
Veterans Affairs
471 Queensway Avenue, Kelowna V1Y 6S5
Chartered banks and trust companies are covered by Canada Deposit Insurance to a maximum of $60,000 per individual account holder and/or joint account holder in any one bank or trust company. The Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia provides coverage up to $100,000 per separate deposit account, per member, per credit union in BC and applies to the combined total of deposits in a member’s personal accounts and to joint accounts, RRSP’s, RRIF’s and trust deposits. The exceptions are credit union equity shares and non-deposit investments such as mutual funds or RRSP equity plans, since these are not deposits. This fund is financially backed by BC government.
Financial Resources and Gifts
FINANCIAL PLANNING STANDARDS COUNCIL
The FPSCC is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1995 to establish and enforce uniform standards. The following organizations are members of the FPSCC.
Canadian Association of Financial planners, Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants,Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, Canadian Securities Institute, Certified General Accountants of Canada, Institute of Canadian Bankers, Credit Union Institute of Canada, and the Society of Management Accountants of Canada. Institute of Canada, and the Society of Management Accountants of Canada.
CFPs must follow a professional Code of Ethics. The Code is designed to better serve you, the consumer, by requiring disclosure of pertinent information about a CFP and describing the behavior you should expect from your planner. A CFP is obliged to disclose relevant information that might affect the financial planning relationship, such as sources of compensation including fees or commissions, and any potential conflicts of interest that might compromise the planner’s objectivity.
The FPSCC will respond to alleged violations of the Code of Ethics brought to its attention in writing. If a CFP fails to meet the high standards of the Code of Ethics, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the FPSCC. The most severe of these actions is the revocation of the CFP license.
1600 - 505 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X3
416-593-8587
BC CANCER FOUNDATION
The BC Cancer Foundation is an independent charitable organization that raises and stewards funds to support breakthrough research and compassionate care through the BC Cancer Agency. The BC Cancer Agency has four Centres in the Province including a Centre located in Kelowna for the Southern Interior. The Centre in the Southern Interior serves a population base of 750,000 from Hope in the West, Cranbrook in the East to Quesnel in the North and South to the border. Through gifts and bequests, The BC Cancer Foundation strives to raise funds necessary to provide a world class cancer treatment centre for patients and families in our communites.
399 Royal Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3
250-712-3921
CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND
Non profit society provides services which help in adjustment to blindness: • counseling, rehabilitation aids and materials, career counseling • serving the visually impaired in the Okanagan Valley, East and West Kootenays • talking book library and low vision clinic.
Head Office BC-Yukon Division
1-800-563-2642
100-5055 Joyce St., Vancouver V5R 6B2
604-431-2121
CENTRAL OKANAGAN FOUNDATION
Established in 1977 with contributions from local families, societies and companies. The Foundation assembles and manages a collection of funds to serve the interest of the Central Okanagan in areas of arts and culture, children, youth and family, education, health and community service, and heritage, historical and conservation. A board of respected and dedicated volunteers governs the Foundation. Through gifts and bequests.
217-1889 Springfield Road, Kelowna V1Y 5V5
Exec. Director: Leanne Hammond Komori
861-6160
www.centralokanaganfoundation.org
THE KELOWNA GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Established in 1978, the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation (the “KGH Foundation”) is an independent charitable organization dedicated to the support of the Kelowna General Hospital and other health facilities and services in the Central Okanagan.
2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna V1Y 1T2
862-4438
www.kghfoundation.com
OKANAGAN COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Okanagan College Foundation provides support to Okanagan College programs and students, meeting the needs of Okanagan communities, businesses and people.
Kathy Butler - Director of Development
Linda Way - Development Officer
1000 KLO Road, Kelowna V1Y 4X8
862-5630
www.okanagancollegefoundation.ca
SOUTH OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN MEDICAL FOUNDATION
Provides philanthropic support to all health service institutions and agencies in Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos and Princeton. The Foundation relies on the generosity of the citizens of the South Okanagan Similkameen.
550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton V2A 3G6
Executive Director - Janice Perrino
492-9027
ROYAL INLAND HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Incorporated in 1983, provides funding for equipment, facilities and medical education to benefit Royal Inland Hospital and other healthcare facilities in the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap area. The new 21st Century Society encourages individuals to help provide healthcare excellence for future generations through estate and planned giving.
311 Columbia Street, Kamloops V2C 2T1
Contact: Paul Battjes
314-2325
VARIETY-THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY of BC
The Children’s Charity of BC care for children with special needs. By leaving a legacy you will be able to help these children far beyond your lifetime.You can make a significant contribution to the future, honour your family or a loved one, realize a philanthropic dream and, at the same time, take hold of the tax advantages that will minimize your income tax and benefit your heirs and estate or financial planning goals. You can make a personal difference in the lives of BC’s children of the future.
Peter Chipman, Director of Planned Giving
4300 Still Creek Drive
Burnaby V5C 6C6
1-800-381-2040
604-268-3887
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VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Our vision is to increase and sustain revenue to meet the long-term healthcare needs of the community. Established in 1981, VJH Foundation is an independent society whose sole purpose is to raise capital funds for Vernon Jubilee Hospital. We receive no monetary assistance from VJH, Interior Health Authority or the Ministry of Health. The Foundation has the authority and responsibility to obtain financial support from the public for the Hospital’s equipment and patient care needs. Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation does not share donor lists with any other organization, nor do we undertake any door to door solicitation.
2101 32nd Street, Vernon V1T 5L2
558-1362
www.vjhfoundation.org
GOVERNMENT OF BC
MINISTRY of HUMAN RESOURCES
• in cases of urgent need, emergency assistance may be available immediately • during normal business hours apply for service from local district offices as listed below • after-hours, professional/community agencies and caregivers can contact:
Kelowna - 861-7373
Penticton - 492-9722
Vernon/North - 549-5474 South - 503-3610
Emergency Services after hours
1-800-663-9122
All Family Maintenance services being provided to Vernon clients will now be provided from:
Kelowna Employment and Assistance Centre
Ministry of Human Resources
130-1640 Dilworth Drive
Kelowna, BC V1Y 7V3
Toll Free 1-866-866-0800
Information being sent to the ministry can be mailed to the above address.Please be assured that you will continue to have access to all eligible services.
GAIN (Guaranteed Available Income for Need)
Under GAIN people in need may obtain assistance through cash allowances and indirect assistance along with preventative and rehabilitative social services
• supplementary services available for people who qualify for Income Assistance, Old Age Security plus Supplement, and GAIN for Handicapped Allowance
• monthly allowance available to persons severely and permanently physically or mentally handicapped
Special Allowances and Coverages
• Dietary Allowance - monthly allowance for those who require therapeutic diet • Training and Incentive Allowances - for those enrolled in programs approved by MSS • Homemaker or Housekeeper - available in case of illness or absence of parent • Funeral Costs - allowance to cover burial costs in relatives or client’s estate cannot afford such services.
Seniors Supplement
Guaranteed monthly income level for BC residents receiving federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement or Spouse’s Allowance • level made up of your OAS/GIS, your declared other income, plus Seniors Supplement rate necessary to bring monthly income up to current level • benefits based upon income declared to federal Old Age Security office • age and income requirements: • 65 years of age or older or 60-64 years and married to a federal OAS pensioner • receive full or partial OAS and GIS or Spouse’s Allowance • total income below current guaranteed level • permanent resident of BC • payments are made automatically if your federal GIS rate makes you eligible • payments made automatic-ally to eligible persons 60-64 years of age who receive the federal Spouse’s Allowance and are married to pensioner.
Seniors Supplement
PO Box 2500, Victoria V8W 3A1
1-877-815-2363
For information regarding benefits for persons 60 and older who are not receiving federal Old Age Security or Spouse’s Allowance, contact local MSS district office.
(SAFER) Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
SAFER is a provincial government program to provide direct cash assistance to eligible BC residents age 60+ who live in rental accommodations. To qualify you must be:
• applicant or spouse 65 or over and receiving Canadian Old Age Security, or age 60-64 (Canadian citizen or landed immigrant) and have resided in Canada for 10 continuous years as an adult applicant or spouse BC resident for one year immediately prior to application
• paying more than 30% of total income for rent
• application forms and assistance with completing forms also available through local MSS offices.
BCHC
601-4555 Kingsway
Burnaby V5H 4V8
1-800-257-7756
