As communications technology grows in leaps and bounds in the new millennium, the public’s access to useful federal government information has been growing right along with it.

Service Canada is a single-access window for people seeking federal information. By using the telephone, the Internet, or pen and paper, Canadians can discover helpful government products, programs and services. Service Canada is administered by the Hon. Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.

Service Canada works like an information hub. Canadians can use the web site as a point of departure to learn about initiatives like the new Simplified Passport Renewal, youth employment, or tax benefits for seniors. Internet surfers may be directed via hotlinks to various other Government of Canada web sites to get the big picture.

The information-gathering process starts by visiting www.servicecanada.gc.ca or calling toll free 1- 800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). Locally, we have a Service Canada centre at 214 Smith Street East in Yorkton, as well as outreach centres in Hudson Bay and Preeceville.

This valuable government service provides details on various federal initiatives, including education and training, employment, health, housing, immigration, income assistance, legal help, personal documents, savings plans, starting a business, travel, and much more. It is an excellent resource to apply for programs like the Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, and Social Insurance Numbers.
The interactive Service Canada web site does much more than just provide information. It can help you process applications, calculations, submissions and searches. For example, the online service helps Canadians:

• calculate retirement income
• apply for new disability benefits for veterans
• submit employment insurance reports
• compute and schedule mortgage payments
• assess advantages of renting versus buying a home
• examine the real cost of smoking
• calculate student loan amounts and repayments
• create a résumé and get job hunting advice
• register international travel and relocation

The Service Canada “A to Z” subject pages provide an organized approach to find literally hundreds of up-to-date web sites for federal products and services. I would also encourage Yorkton-Melville constituents to contact my office any time you need a hand with bureaucratic red tape. We’re always standing by to help you find what you need. You can reach my Yorkton constituency office at 306-782-3309.

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