The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy helps to ensure that estates in bankruptcy, commercial reorganizations, consumer proposals and receiverships are administered in a fair and orderly manner.

A financial institution wholly owned by the government of Canada. BDC delivers financial and consulting services to Canadian small and medium sized businesses with special focus on manufacturing, exporting, innovation and knowledge-based industries. E-mail is possible through the link on their website.

Provides integrated border services that support national security and public safety and facilitates the free flow of goods that meet all requirements under the program legislation. CBSA's mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of goods, people, animals and plants to and from Canada. Various locations in the Lower Mainland. See website for details.

Metro Vancouver CBSA Mail Centre and Casual Refund Centre
803 - 685 Hamilton Street
Vancouver,  BC   V6B 2R4   (Map)
This location processes non-commercial refund claims for duties and taxes on postal/courier and traveller importations. It is also the office for the customs processing and examination of international mail.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada's national housing agency. They are committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country. CMHC works to enhance Canada's housing finance options, assist Canadians who cannot afford housing in the private market, improve building standards and housing construction, and provide policymakers with the information and analysis they need to sustain a vibrant housing market in Canada.

Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Homeowner RRAP
Web site: www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_001.cfm
Assists low-income households who own and live in substandard housing to repair their homes to a minimum level of health and safety.

Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Rental RRAP
Web site: www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_008.cfm
Offers financial assistance to landlords of affordable housing to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by low-income tenants.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP-Disabilities)
Web site: www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_003.cfm
Offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords so they can modify the home or unit for a low-income person with a disability.

The Canada Revenue Agency administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories. It also looks after social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system. See website for information on programs offered specifically to aboriginal people, people with disabilities, families, and individuals.

Business and Self-Employed individuals
Toll Free:  1-800-959-5525
Automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Telephone agents are available weekdays Monday to Friday 8:15am to 5:00pm (except holidays).

Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
9755 King George Hwy.
Surrey,  BC   V3T 5E1   (Map)
Fax:  604-585-5769
Toll Free:  1-800-387-1193
The CCTB is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. Other benefits, like the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Child Disability Benefit, may also be part of a CCTB payment. Contact Canada Revenue Agency to see if you qualify. Automated telephone service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; agents are available Mon-Fri (except holidays) 8:15am-5:00pm

GST Credit
Toll Free:  1-800-959-1953
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit is a tax-free payment made four times a year to low and modest income Canadians to make up for all or part of the GST that they pay. To apply for this credit, you must fill out an income tax form and send it in to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Individual Income Tax Questions
Toll Free:  1-800-959-8281
A 24-hour recorded service is available seven days a week. Agents are available all year on weekdays (except holidays) and for longer hours from mid-February through April. Provides tax information for individuals including personal income tax returns, installments, RRSPs, and the Working Income Tax Benefit.

My Account
Web site: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/esrvc-srvce/tx/ndvdls/myccnt/menu-eng.html
An online service that allows you to view your personal income tax, Canada Child Tax Benefit, and GST credit information on a secure web site.

Surrey Tax Services Office
9755 King George Hwy.
Surrey,  BC   V3T 5E1   (Map)
Fax:  604-585-5769
Toll Free:  1-800-959-8281
This is the mailing address for income tax returns and to apply for a GST credit. Office hours are Mondays thru Fridays 8:15am to 4:30pm. Call for an appointment.

The Canadian Cancer Society supports cancer research and delivers support and educational programs for all types of cancer. The Richmond office is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 3pm. Our office is run by volunteers and hours are subject to change. Please call 604-279-7150 to confirm hours.

Emergency Aid
Phone:  604-253-8470
Limited, short-term financial assistance is available toward certain treatment-related items, such as accommodations, transportation, and select medications. For more information, phone 604-253-8470 to speak with our Practical Support Coordinator.

Part of an international humanitarian movement working globally and locally to improve the situations of the most vulnerable. The Red Cross responds to disasters, both in Canada and abroad, and provides education and training to children, youth and adults on everything from abuse and injury prevention to global education and life-saving skills.

Disaster Services
The Canadian Red Cross Lower Mainland Region has responded to large and small scale disasters. Every disaster is different, but the common thread is they impact peoples’ lives. During the relief phase, Red Cross works with municipalities, governments and other relief organizations. In the recovery phase when the media spotlight has often shifted elsewhere, Red Cross remains on the scene - helping those affected to rebuild their lives.

Family Support Program
Volunteers offer emotional and practical support to families from across BC and the Yukon whose children have been admitted to BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver. The volunteers assist with transportation, provision of emergency supplies such as clothing and toiletries and help families find the services they need in Vancouver.

First Aid Programs
Red Cross has been teaching Canadians how to save lives and prevent injury for more than 50 years. Red Cross First Aid programs are designed for all ages and skill levels. Some of their programs include: CPR, Emergency First Aid, Wilderness & Remote First Aid and Babysitting and ChildSafe courses. Go to www.redcross.ca under "Find a Course" for more information.

First Contact Program
E-mail: brigitte.witzel@redcross.ca
Many refugees arrive in Vancouver with minimal resources and face the daunting reality of being homeless. With little knowledge of the services that can provide help and no one they can really trust, refugees are extremely vulnerable when settling into a new country, a new city. The Red Cross First Contact program aims to provide these refugees with the tools that will help prevent further marginalization, distress and exploitation.

Medical Equipment Loan Service
This community-based, volunteer-run program provides short-term loans of basic medical equipment, by donation, to those recovering from surgery or injury, or living with mobility limitations. Last year, 417 volunteers served 20,738 clients, loaning over 48,000 pieces of medical equipment. Available equipment includes mobility aids, bath aids, toileting aids, walking aids, and aids to daily living.

The Chinese Cultural Centre is a non-profit organization whose membership is open to all. The Centre offers different classes and clubs for people with different interests. The Centre also provides services to the community and aims to promote the Chinese culture through various events. Services are available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Income Tax Clinic
For seniors and low-income individuals. Held every year during tax season, usually in March and April. Sign up for the clinic in early February. Service in Chinese and English. There is no fee for this service, but donations are accepted. Call about dates and times.

Carries out Richmond's emergency programs, archives, garbage and recycling programs, compost demonstration garden, leisure services, special needs services, and economic development programs.

Finance
Web site: www.richmond.ca/cityhall/departments/busfin/finance.htm
Phone:  604-276-4064
Fax:  604-276-4162
E-mail: finance@richmond.ca
The Finance Division is responsible for the financial well-being of our City, through the provision of effective and reliable financial advice, services and information to Council, staff and the public. Over $300 million is collected annually from various sources including property taxes, utility payments, service charges, and senior government grants. The Finance Department oversees the expenditure of these funds through the annual budget process.

Recreation Subsidy Fee
Phone:  604-247-4909
Fax:  604-276-4132
Helps low-income Richmond residents pay the fees for admissions and program registrations at Richmond community centres, cultural centre, aquatic centres and arenas. For details, please contact Recreation and Cultural Services Central Office at 604-247-4909.

A co-operative association whose members are housing co-ops and related organizations in BC. Visit their website or call their office for a list of housing co-ops that are currently accepting applications. To apply to live in co-op housing, apply directly to the individual housing co-op(s) that interests you.

Co-op Housing Disability Trust
E-mail: miversen@chf.bc.ca
People with permanent disabilities can apply for an interest-free loan to help pay the shares when they join a housing co-op. See http://www.chf.bc.ca/pages/chfbc3.asp.

Domestic Violence Relief Fund
E-mail: miversen@chf.bc.ca
Women leaving abusive relationships can apply for an interest-free loan to help pay the shares when they join a housing co-op. See www.chf.bc.ca/pages/chfbc3.asp

The Credit Counselling Society is a non-profit credit counselling service that teaches people about money management and using credit carefully. Counsellors can show people what to do if they have debt and can offer assistance in the office or over the phone. Counselling appointments focus on managing individual situations and are free of charge. The Credit Counselling Society also provides workshops, lunch and learn sessions, and repayment programs and alternatives. Visit the website or call for more information.

There are a number of financial assistance programs and benefits for seniors from the governments of Canada and BC. The website provides access to information as well as many of the related application forms.

Allowance
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
Allowance is a monthly benefit for low-income seniors (aged 60-64) whose spouse or common-law partner is eligible for, or currently receiving, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Apply up to 12 months before your 60th birthday. If you have already reached the age of 60, send your application as soon as possible.

Allowance for the Survivor
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
Provides money for low-income seniors who are 60 to 64 years old, are Canadian citizens or legal residents when the Allowance is approved or when they last lived here, whose spouse or common-law partner has died, and have lived in Canada after reaching age 18 for 10 years. See the website on how to apply.

Bus Pass Program
9500 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R3   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-866-866-0800
Assists low-income seniors or persons with disabilities. May be purchased by those receiving the OAS and either the GIS or Allowance, are 60 to 64 and receiving BC Employment and Assistance, are receiving disability assistance, or are immigrants who would qualify for OAS, GIS or Allowance. The Bus Pass costs $45 per year or portion thereof. Applications for the following year should be mailed in by October.

Canada Pension Plan - CPP
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
This pension is a monthly payment available to people who contributed to this plan while they were working and are at least 65 years of age, or are between 60 and 64 and meet the earning requirements set out in the legislation. Applications can be downloaded from the www.canadabenefits.gc.ca website. More information can be obtained by calling the toll-free number.

Guaranteed Income Supplement - GIS
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
This program provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income Old Age Security recipients. Applications can be downloaded from the www.canadabenefits.gc.ca website. More information can be acquired by calling the toll-free number or viewing the website.

Old Age Security - OAS
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
This pension provides a monthly taxable benefit to persons 65 years of age and over. Applications can be found on the www.canadabenefits.gc.ca website. More information can be acquired by calling the toll-free number or viewing the website.

Senior's Supplement (Province of BC)
Toll Free:  1-866-866-0800
The Senior's Supplement is a guaranteed monthly income for BC residents who are getting the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement as well as the Old Age Security pension or federal Allowances. Seniors do not have to apply - the Senior's Supplement is paid automatically to those who qualify. Call the toll-free number for more information.

An organization of retired members of the Federal Public Service, the RCMP, the Canadian Armed Forces and Federal Judges and their spouses formed for the purpose of providing a strong and consistent voice to the Federal Government on issues of common concern. Office hours, normally 10:00am to 2:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is a provincial Crown corporation established in 1973 to provide universal auto insurance for BC motorists. In addition, ICBC is responsible for driver licensing, vehicle registration and licensing and commercial vehicle compliance. Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Disability Discount
Web site: www.icbc.com/autoplan/costs/save-money/disability-discount
Phone:  604-660-4524
Toll Free:  1-877-388-4440
If you are 16 or older, own or lease a vehicle and are a "person with disabilities," you may qualify for a 25% discount on your basic Autoplan. The discount may be applied to only one vehicle. To apply for the discount, you must first apply for the fuel tax rebate under the Ministry of Finance to get a Motor Fuel Tax Act registration number. Visit www.icbc.com for more information

Seniors' Rate
Web site: www.icbc.com/autoplan/costs/save-money/senior-discount
If you are 65 or older and drive your vehicle for pleasure use only, you may be eligible for a 25% discount on Basic Autoplan. Both the registered owner and the principal operator must be 65 or older to qualify and you must change your rate class to receive this discount.

A consumer advocacy group that helps its members by providing information, services, financial assistance, advocacy, etc.

KidSport was established in 1993 by Sport BC. KidSport is a community based sport-funding program that provides grants for children ages 6 - 18 to participate in a sport season of their choice. There are now 39 community chapters in BC and 175 chapters across Canada. With the help from dedicated corporate partners, KidSport works to fulfill its mission of eliminating the financial barriers to sport participation, ‘So ALL Kids Can Play!’

The Last Post Fund is dedicated to ensure that no military veterans, military disability pensioners or civilians who meet wartime service eligibility criteria are denied a dignified funeral and burial for lack of sufficient funds.

The Ministry provides programs and services to ensure that healthy children and responsible families are living in safe, caring and inclusive communities. Assists families to maintain or resume responsibility for their children; investigates and protects children from suffering neglect or abuse; provides adoptive services for relinquishing parents and children; and finds temporary residential and foster care for children in the care of the Director of Family and Children's Services. Services in Richmond are as follows:

Child Care Subsidy
PO Box 9953 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R3   (Map)
Web site: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare
Toll Free:  1-888-338-6622
A monthly payment that helps eligible BC families with the cost of child care. You can pick up an application form and get help to complete it from Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral Centre, 190 - 7000 Minoru Blvd., Richmond, 604-279-7020.To find out if you qualify to get the subsidy, use the Eligibility Evaluator on the government website at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare.

The Ministry of Finance provides fiscal policies and regulatory frameworks to support a strong provincial economy and the sustainable delivery of services to British Columbians.

Fuel Tax Refund Program for Persons with Disabilities
360 West Georgia Street, Suite 800
Vancouver,  BC   Web site: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/business/Consumer_Taxes/Motor_Fuel_Tax/mft.htm
Phone:  604-660-4524
Fax:  250-356-2195
Toll Free:  1-877-388-4440
Persons with certain physical disabilities are eligible for a refund of the provincial tax they pay on fuel used in their vehicles. The maximum allowable refund per year is $500. To be eligible, the applicant must be at least 16 years old, is a registered owner or lease of a motor vehicle and must be a person with disabilities as defined in the Motor Fuel Tax Act. See the website for more details and the application form.

Home Owner Grants
PO Box 9991 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R7   (Map)
Web site: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_Taxes/Home_Owner_Grant/hog.htm
Phone:  250-356-8904
Fax:  250-356-8994
Toll Free:  1-888-355-2700
E-mail: hogadmin@gov.bc.ca
Aims to help homeowners reduce the amount of taxes they pay on their home. A homeowner may qualify for several types of grants by meeting certain qualifications. To apply or for more information, visit the website. The grant is available for Canadian citizens or landed immigrants who live in BC and occupies the home as his/her principle residence. It is also available to some low-income seniors, as well as certain veterans and persons with disabilities, who may not have qualified for the full grant previously due to high assessed value of their home.

Property Tax Deferment Program
PO Box 9446 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9V6   (Map)
Web site: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_Taxes/Property_Tax_Deferment/ptd.htm
Phone:  604-660-2421
Fax:  250-356-5347
Toll Free:  1-800-663-7867
E-mail: ruraltax@gov.bc.ca
A low interest loan program that assists qualifying BC homeowners in paying the annual property taxes on their homes. To apply, download the form from the website or call for more information.

Their mission is to: guide and enhance the province's health services to ensure British Columbians are supported in their efforts to maintain and improve their health.

PharmaCare Plan - Fair PharmaCare
PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9P2   (Map)
Web site: www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/index.html#
Phone:  604-683-7151
Toll Free:  1-800-663-7100
PharmaCare helps BC residents pay for many prescription drugs and certain medical supplies. The amount of help given by PharmaCare depends on your income. For most PharmaCare plans, you must be actively enrolled in the Medical Services Plan of B.C (MSP).

Travel Assistance Program
Web site: www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/mtapp/index.html
Phone:  604-683-7151
Fax:  250-405-3595
Toll Free:  1-800-663-7100
E-mail: mspenquiries@hibc.gov.bc.ca
This program helps cover the cost of travel for BC residents who must travel outside their home community for non-emergency medical services they cannot get where they live. It only covers travel costs that are not covered by a private insurance plan or another government program. There is a program for patients and another for physicians.

Supports British Columbians toward achieving their potential, by moving them from income assistance to sustainable employment and by providing income assistance to those in need. This ministry is responsible for: BC Employment and Assistance, Employment Services, Employment Strategy for Persons with Disabilities. The Victoria address is: PO Box 9058 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9E2.

BC Employment and Assistance
Helps people find employment, while giving financial assistance to those in need. You are expected to look for work before you receive assistance. When you are receiving help, you will need to carry out an action plan to reach your job goals.

BC Employment Program
Assists ministry clients in BC communities find and keep jobs through individualized employment services and support. This program replaces the ministry's Job Placement and Training for Jobs Programs. Depending on client needs, services may include self-directed job searches, workshops, support costs for work related expenses, and more. Call the toll-free number for more information.

Electronic Services (E-services)
Web site: www.weborientation.gov.bc.ca
24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week access to BC Employment and Assistance information by telephone and internet. On the web there is a job search orientation session that teaches job search tips, how to apply for income assistance, the requirements to work, and more. There is also an income assistance estimator (www.iaestimator.gov.bc.ca).

Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD)
100 - 5760 Minoru Blvd.
Richmond,  BC   V6X 2A9   (Map)
EPPD is a specialized program for persons with disabilities who wish to participate more fully in their community. The program provides support in pre-employment services, planning and employment services, self-employment services, disability supports for employment, and assistive technology.

Family Maintenance Program
This program is available to people who receive income assistance. Spouses or people with children are often entitled to receive spousal or child support payments. Must be eligible for BC Employment and Assistance to be eligible for FMP. Family Maintenance Workers assist spouses and parents to get the maintenance order they are entitled to receive under the Child Support Guidelines. For more information call the BC Child Support Line (604) 660-2192

Seniors Supplement (Province of BC)
9950 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R3   (Map)
Web site: www.canadabenefits.gc.ca
Toll Free:  1-888-387-3743
The Seniors Supplement is a guaranteed monthly income for BC residents who are receiving the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement as well as the Old Age Security pension or federal Allowances. For more information call the toll-free number (dial 4, then 1).

Responsibilities include industrial relations, employment standards, workers compensation and labour relations. Also provides services for individuals, families, and businesses including Enquiry BC, and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy.

Employers' Advisers
620 - 8100 Granville Ave.
Richmond,  BC   V6Y 3T6   (Map)
Web site: www.labour.gov.bc.ca/eao/
Phone:  604-713-0303
Fax:  604-713-0345
Toll Free:  1-800-925-2233
E-mail: eao@eao-bc.org
Employers' Advisers provide independent advice, assistance, representation and training to employers, potential employers and employer associations concerning workers' compensation issues. Visit www.labour.gov.bc.ca/eao for more information.

Workers' Advisers
500 - 8100 Granville Ave.
Richmond,  BC   V6Y 3T6   (Map)
Web site: www.labour.gov.bc.ca/wab/
Phone:  604-713-0360
Fax:  604-713-0311
Toll Free:  1-800-663-4261
Advisers provide direct assistance in resolving claims problems with the WCB and gather evidence to advance the inquiry system. Clients are provided with representation in cases involving complex legal, medical, or policy issues where there is no alternate representative, and where there is merit. Visit www.labour.gov.bc.ca/wab for more information.

An activity centre for seniors age 55 and over. Ongoing activities include billiards, bingo, bridge, crib, mah jong, outtrips, manicures and much more. Classes offered include art, dancing, and fitness. Services include: wellness clinic, hearing clinic, income tax clinic and telephone referrals for seniors' needs. The centre also has a cafeteria with a daily hot meal program. Membership is $20 per year.

Income Tax Clinic
Offers free income tax appointments Monday through Friday during March and April for those over age 55 who have an annual income of $25,000 or less. The volunteers who help complete your income tax forms are trained by Revenue Canada or are certified accountants.

A non-government charitable organization that aims to help British Columbians make and use effective Representation Agreements. A Representation Agreement is a legal Plan that says who you give authority to if you need assistance managing your affairs. It can cover financial, legal, health, and personal care matters. Offers information, referral, and plain language materials on Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills/Advanced Directives.

This program provides grocery vouchers to registered low-income Richmond residents and new toys to low-income families with children aged 12 and under, and gift certificates to teens 13-15. The Christmas Fund sponsorship program matches registered families with individuals and groups who prepare a customized Christmas hamper for their family. Donations from the community - both financial and of new, unwrapped gifts - are the basis of this program.

Serves Richmond's multicultural community as a central resource for referrals, information, translation, and interpretation services in a variety of languages. The society assists immigrants and refugees with their settlement and integration needs. Services are offered in 12 languages.

Income Tax Clinics
Income tax filing services are provided in March and April to low income individuals and families, seniors and newcomers by trained volunteers.

Promotes equality for women in all aspects of society. Services include information and referral, peer support, a volunteer program, training services and a resource library. The Centre provides English conversation classes, individual computer instruction and more.

Income Tax Preparation
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/support-groups/32-income-tax-preparation
During tax season (January to April) RWRC is happy to help women with the preparations required for filing Income Tax.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian charitable organization devoted to helping people in need, including families in crisis, single parents, children, seniors, and those experiencing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and abuse.

Fire Victim Program
Helps tenants and homeowners without home insurance replace basic clothing, furniture and household items lost through a fire.

Free Legal Advice
555 Homer St.
Vancouver,  BC   V6B 1K8   (Map)
Web site: www.probono.ca
Phone:  604-694-6647
Fax:  604-681-3005
Offered to people with legal issues who cannot afford a lawyer or who do not qualify for government aid, this program allows them to obtain legal advice from professional lawyers at no charge. To book an appointment, call the Pro Bono Legal Clinic Office.

Weekly Free Community Lunch
A free, nutritious meal is offered to the community every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. (except during the summer months). The meal is prepared and served by volunteers. All are welcome.

The Seniors Services Society is a non-profit organization providing temporary housing, housing information, information referral, community education and support services for seniors. Its temporary housing program, web-based Seniors Housing Directory of BC, Client Outreach Staff, and Housing Counsellor provide housing information, temporary housing and support to clients throughout the Lower Mainland. Its Support services serve New Westminster clients only and include Meals on Wheels, Grocery Shopping and delivery, Support Calls, Lunch Club, Dining Club, Transportation to medical appointments, Out and About for social activities and snow removal. See the website for more information or to view the directory.

Information and Referral
E-mail: info@seniorsservicessociety.ca
A Program Coordinator provides information and referral services by telephone and in person. Drop-in and by appointment help with filling out forms also available. Annual tax clinic runs through March and April. Volunteers prepare taxes with a drop-in service Monday to Friday. Hours posted at the time of tax clinic.

Services offered by this branch include career planning and counselling, disability benefits, employment insurance, youth employment services, labour market information and social insurance number applications. For job searches, see also www.jobbank.gc.ca and www.electroniclabourexchange.ca. (Formerly Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.)

Compassionate Care Benefits
Web site: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/faq/faq_compassionate_care_individuals.shtml#What
These benefits may be paid, up to a maximum of six weeks, to a person who has to be absent from work to provide care or support to a family member who is at risk of dying within 26 weeks. You must show that your regular weekly earnings from work have decreased by more than 40% and have accumulated more than 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks or since the start of your claim. See online for definitions, forms, and current application processing times.

Employment Insurance (EI)
Web site: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/index.shtml
The Employment Insurance (EI) program provides temporary income support to those who are between jobs; cannot work for reasons of sickness, childbirth, or parenting; or who are providing care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. See web for details.

Student Employment Centre (Service Canada Centre for Youth)
350 - 5611 Cooney Road
Richmond,  BC   V6X 3J6   (Map)
Phone:  604-273-6431
Fax:  604-666-1119
A student summer employment service, offering job search help to students and a job-posting service for employers. Assists those aged 15 to 30 with resumes and cover letters, mock interviews and more. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30a.m. To 4:00 p.m.

Veterans Affairs Canada provides disability pensions, economic support, allowances and health care benefits to qualified veterans and certain civilians, as well as to their dependants or survivors. Call for counselling or about the benefits available and eligibility requirements.

A non-profit organization that brings people and services together through community information and volunteerism.

Richmond Christmas Fund
E-mail: christmasfund@volunteerrichmond.ca
This program provides grocery vouchers to registered low-income Richmond residents and new toys to low-income families with children aged 12 and under, and gift certificates to teens 13-15. The Christmas Fund sponsorship program matches registered families with individuals and groups who prepare a customized Christmas hamper for their family. Donations from the community - both financial and of new, unwrapped gifts - are the basis of this program.

Seniors Information & Referral
Trained senior 55+ volunteers provide information and referral regarding community services to seniors ages 55 and older. Also assists seniors navigate through government systems, and fill out application forms. Topics include pensions, income tax, citizenship and permanent residency, medical plan, pharmacare, legal resources, housing, and shelter aid for renters. Service is available by phone, as well as by appointment or drop-in at the office, 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Also offered by appointment at the West Richmond Community Centre Mondays 10 am to 2 pm. The Seniors Information line is available to answer any questions about benefits and entitlements for seniors. There are trained volunteers available Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm.

WorkSafeBC is dedicated to promoting workplace health and safety for the workers and employers of this province. Consults with and educates employers and workers and monitos compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.In the event of work-related injuries or diseases, WorkSafeBC works with the affected parties to provide return-to-work rehabilitation, compensation, health care benefits, and a range of other services. See the website for more information.

Prevention Information Line
Phone:  604-276-3100
Toll Free:  1-888-621-7233
E-mail: ssquery@worksafebc.com
Call this line to report an unsafe condition in a workplace, request a worksite inspection consultation, report a serious accident/incident or major chemical release, get information about workplace health and safety issues and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.