An East Gwillimbury councillor is calling on the federal government to extend the deadline for charitable donations to qualify for a tax credit in response to the Canada Post strike.
Councillor Scott Crone is asking that the deadline for donations eligible for a tax credit be extended from Dec. 31, 2024 to March 1, 2025, according to a news release.
"The postal strike has caused significant delays in mail delivery across the country, which may prevent many Canadians from making timely donations to their chosen charities," the release stated.
“Charities across Canada rely heavily on donations received in the final weeks of the year, and with the postal strike disrupting mail services, many donors may miss the current deadline through no fault of their own,” said Crone. “Extending the deadline to March 1, 2025 would provide Canadians with additional time to make their contributions while still receiving the tax benefit, helping charities continue their important work.”
Many charitable organizations face increased demand for services and support, particularly during the winter months, he added.
“As a former board chair of the Alzheimer Society of York Region and a current municipal councillor, I know first-hand the value that charities bring to our communities,” said Crone. “The year-end direct mail campaign was always a big component of our fundraising while I was at AS York.”