Executive Director Kathy Kennedy reviewed PELC’s Financial Empowerment Programming at Council November 10.

The municipality’s annual $80,000 investment offsets programs that serve about 1000 residents, and include benefits screening, systems navigation assistance and free income tax filings. 

These services generate a huge financial return: in 2025, $3.6 million flowed back to residents in tax savings and relief. 

“At PELC, we live and breathe this work,” Ms. Kennedy said. “Much of our programming is about poverty reduction, which is a key pillar in Prince Edward County’s Community Safety Wellbeing Plan.”

Participation in the Financial Empowerment program has more than doubled in the five years it’s been offered. The assistance is helping locals become more financially resilient every day. Helping clients to navigate government benefits and offering free financial workshops are vital components, but the centrepiece is PELC’s free income tax filing. A volunteer team of local professionals and retirees with experience navigating the Canada Revenue Agency system brings in millions.

As PELC’s Tammy Harvey explained, annual income tax filings are key to eligibility in virtually every federal and provincial benefits and tax relief program. But there are barriers, including filing costs charged by third-party providers.

“Filing income taxes can be a challenge and without annual filing, all benefits and tax credits stop,” she said.

Councillors Janice Maynard, Bill Roberts, and Sam Branderhorst lauded the program and Prince Edward Family Health Team Executive Director Barinder Gill said in a statement that the initiative makes a real difference in the lives of residents.

“By helping individuals navigate budgeting, credit, debt management, and access to benefits, this program powers people to take control of their financial futures and in turn strengthens the social and economic fabric of Prince Edward County,” Mr. Gill said. “The work of the Prince Edward Learning Centre goes far beyond numbers and budgets. It’s about dignity, confidence and hope. Every person who learns how to better manage their finances is better positioned to provide for their family, contribute to our local community, and build a stronger, more resilient community.”

PELC also organizes the weekly PEC Fresh markets in Picton and Consecon, where anyone can pre-order fruits and vegetables at a 30 percent discount over retail prices.