What We Want to Achieve
A Program of the Financial Empowerment Initiative (FEI)
The Financial Empowerment Initiative began its first community tax clinic in 2021 at the Africa Centre in Edmonton.
What started as a simple response to community need has grown into one of our most impactful programs.
Many individuals and families — especially newcomers and low-income earners — were unsure how to file their taxes, access benefits, or understand the Canadian tax system. Some had gone years without filing. Others were afraid of making mistakes.
We stepped in to help.
What We Do
Our Community Tax Clinics provide free tax filing support for eligible individuals and families.
We assist with:
- Personal income tax returns
- Accessing government benefits and credits
- Filing prior-year returns
- Guidance on basic tax questions
- Connecting clients to additional financial literacy supports
We create a welcoming and respectful space where people can ask questions without fear or embarrassment.
Our Growth
Since launching in 2021:
- We have filed taxes for over 4,000 individuals across Edmonton and Calgary.
- We have operated from two locations in Edmonton and two locations in Calgary over the years.
- The program continues to expand based on community need.
What makes this program special is how it has grown — not through advertising campaigns, but through trust, referrals, and word of mouth.
When people feel supported, they tell others.
Why Tax Filing Matters
For many families, filing taxes is the gateway to:
- Canada Child Benefit
- GST/HST credits
- Climate Action Incentives
- Income supports
- Senior benefits
- Refunds that make a real difference
When taxes are not filed, families often miss out on essential income supports. Our clinics help close that gap.
Our Approach
We believe financial dignity matters.
Our volunteers and staff are trained to provide service that is:
- Respectful
- Confidential
- Patient
- Culturally aware
No question is too small. No situation is treated with judgment.
More Than a Tax Clinic
For many clients, the tax clinic is their first introduction to financial literacy in Canada. From there, they often attend our workshops, seminars, and other programs.
The tax clinic is not just about filing a return.
It is about opening the door to financial confidence.