Mr. Chairman, I'd like to recognize Ms. Terry Aitken, who recently retired as a program coordinator at Volunteer West Island, a non-profit organization that recruits, trains and refers volunteers to give back to the community. Over the past decade, Ms. Aitken has coordinated volunteers and programs to help prevent social isolation among seniors and help maintain their autonomy.
Thanks to Ms. Aitken, my office, as well as those of previous members of Parliament from Pierrefonds—Dollard, has been able to serve low-income households through an annual income tax return service. Our tax clinic lets people file taxes at no cost.
Barbara, a senior citizen, is one of those who accessed our service, and in Barbara's words, “I worked all my life as a single mom raising two children, but in retirement my income is modest. I'm really grateful to people like Terry, who give back.”
Despite offices being closed because of COVID-19, Ms. Aitken and my staff work to continue to maintain our tax clinic. On behalf of the constituents of Pierrefonds—Dollard, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Ms. Aitken for her years of service, and to Barbara, who makes our work meaningful.
Thank you.