Help with education carry over amount?

I have about 15,000 in unused federal and provincial tax carry over, this is the first year I'm doing it my self without going to a tax place. It is also my first year out of school and working. I didn't earn much but my taxable income was about 25,000. This is going to sound dumb but when I file will I use the carry over amount and claim it against my income tax paid so I receive a tax return for all my income tax paid in 2010 or will it just be used if it turns out I owe anything (giving me a tax return of $0), any advice would be greatly appreciated