Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

A long-time face of tax advice in the Okanagan retired last week.

Gail Riddall, probably best known in the valley for her television appearances as an income tax expert, worked as a client service agent for Canada Revenue Agency for 32 years.

During that time she was featured regularly on television and radio with hosts such as Jack Webster and Rafe Mair. When she moved from the Lower Mainland to Penticton 16 years ago, she made appearances on CHBC with hosts such as Chris Cleaver and Mike Roberts.

“The shows were literally about putting a face to Revenue Canada,” she said. “And that’s probably my favourite part of (my career).”

Answering questions during a live broadcast was a challenge because she had to answer questions without the usual reference books and other resources at hand, said Riddall. It also brought her a little fame: she remembers being on a cruise and being asked by a stranger if she would be giving her tax talk that year.

Off-air, Riddall spent most of her time on the phone and computer, answering questions about personal income tax forms for puzzled British Columbians.

The tools of her trade were a little different than many agents. Because she is blind, Riddall uses a three-volume braille version of the tax guide, a braille display and a computer that read text to her to guide people through the annual frustration of filling in the mandatory tax form.

Most of the calls during a tax season were pretty straightforward — mostly people wanting to know what numbers to put on which line, she said. But occasionally she handled more challenging calls from people frustrated with the forms.

“My job, even if someone was distressed and intimidated by a tax return what I tried to do was diffuse that call and make it not so daunting as they think,” she said.

Riddall wanted to be a teacher as a young woman. Although that career didn’t work out for her, she feels in many ways she has still fulfilled the calling during her career at CRA.

“I just did it in a different way, because helping people do a return to me is teaching,” she said.

With her retirement now officially underway, Riddall looks forward to the new kind of busyness retirement can bring with it.

She and her husband Rick Riddall are considering some renovations and a trip across Canada. She may get into an exercise program.

“I want to be able to read — and I don’t mean taxes,” she said. “People tell me when you’re retired you’ll find so many things to do you’ll wonder how you ever had time to work.”

source: The Penticton Western News