Information about the Government of Canada

If you are looking for general information or are not certain where to direct an inquiry visit  The Government of Canada Web site (www.gc.ca), or phone 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

Citizenship and Immigration

The links listed below are related to the most common areas of enquiry in the area of Citizenship and Immigration. General information on the rules and procedures are available. Applications and forms are also available on-line.  We can follow-up to find out the progress of an application through the process.

Permanent Resident Cards are new and the currently the processing time is long.  If you are not a citizen but a permanent resident, you will be required to have this card for travel outside of Canada, to ensure you can return. When sending your application marking your envelope with "urgent" may help.

Many constituents come to the office asking Michael to support a family member’s application to either visit or move to Canada. It is important to remember that a Member of Parliament is not able to alter the decision of a Visa Officer. However, we can follow-up to find out the progress of an application. The best thing that you can do to help your relative is to be fully prepared for the application process. Information on which nations require a visa is available at the CIC Web site.

Persons with Disabilities 

Under the department of Human Resources Development Canada web site you can find information on Government of Canada services for disabled persons.  This web site also includes information on Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits.

Canada's Parliament

The Parliamentary Internet Web site provides a wide range of information on Canada's Parliament.

Find a job

Many people write to their Member of Parliament looking for assistance in finding a job.  It is not within a Member of Parliament’s mandate to find employment for constituents, nor in many cases is it appropriate for them to make enquires beyond ensuring that the correct procedures are being followed.

The Government of Canada provides career services through Human Resources Development Canada. View the Government of Canada Jobs, Workers, Training & Careers Web page to find out what the government can do to help.

You can also contact our two local HRSDC offices in:

Georgetown   

Applying for Employment Insurance (EI)

Apply on-line or contact the EI section of Human Resources Development Canada for information on the program eligibility rules.

Taxes on-line

  Individuals and businesses can access the electronic services of The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

Student loans

The area of student loans can be very confusing, as the program has changed drastically in the last decade.

The National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)  is responsible for loans issued on or after August 1st, 2000 and is set up to help you. Any loans before August 1st, 2000 are done directly through the bank or lending institution but if you need assistance call us and we will try to help.

 Government services for children

View the on-line edition of Services for Children: Guide to Government of Canada Services for Children and their Families.

 Information and services for seniors 55 and greater

Seniors Canada On-line provides access to information and services offered to seniors, their families, caregivers and supporting service organizations. Information on the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Supplement is also available.

How to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Canadian government programs. You will require a SIN to work in Canada or to receive government benefits.  

Passports

Any Canadian citizen is eligible for a Canadian passport.The following outlines the steps required to obtain a passport for a Canadian living in Canada. Please refer to the main page of the Passport Canada web site if you are a Canadian living outside of Canada. To ensure your application is processed in a timely fashion, please be sure to submit all the necessary documents with your application.

To obtain a passport, you must:

• Sign and complete all pages of the application form. (Find out where to obtain application forms).
• Provide two identical passport photos taken within the last 12 months.
• Have the application form and one photo signed by an eligible guarantor.
• Provide original proof of Canadian citizenship.
• Provide any previous Canadian travel document issued to you within the last five years such as a passport, a certificate of identity or a travel document.
• Provide at least one document to support your identity with your current name and signature, such as a driver's license, a provincial health care card, an old age security card, etc.
  If you submit original supporting documents, they will be returned to you. If you are submitting photocopies, your guarantor must sign and date the photocopies to indicate that the originals have been seen. 
• Your place of birth must be provided on the application form. If you do not wish the place of birth to appear in the passport, submit a written request. Be sure to contact the consulate or embassy of every country you plan to visit to ensure that you will be admitted if the passport does not include your place of birth.
• Pay the appropriate passport fee.

Important: Please indicate the date of your travel (if known) in the "Date of Travel" field provided at the top of the application form. The issuing office will do its best to accommodate your needs.

Advice for International Travelers

View the Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Reports Web page.

 Advisories on food, drugs, medical services, natural health products and consumer products

Health Canada helps protect Canadians from potential health hazards by releasing warnings/advisories on food, drugs, medical devices, natural health products and consumer products. 

Additional Frequently Asked Questions can be found in our "Frequently Asked Questions" section or on the Government of Canada Web site