Delivers flexible financing, venture capital, and financial and consulting services to Canadian small and medium sized businesses with special focus on manufacturing, exporting, innovation, and knowledge-based industries. Vancouver South office opens by appointment only, call in advance.

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. Ensures the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of goods, people, animals, and plants to and from Canada.

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

Canada's national housing agency committed to helping Canadians access quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant communities and cities a reality across the country. Works to enhance Canada's housing finance options, assists Canadians who cannot afford housing in the private market, improves building standards and housing construction, and provides policymakers with the information and analysis they need to sustain a housing market in Canada.

Aboriginal Housing
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/ab/index.cfm
Offers programs in partnership with First Nations and others to meet the housing needs of Aboriginal Canadians on and off reserve.

Emergency Repair Program (ERP)
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_005.cfm
Offers financial assistance to help low-income households in rural areas for emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their home.

Grants and Awards
Web site: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/graw/
Provides grants and sponsors partnerships as a way of encouraging research and initiatives that lead to solutions to the housing needs of Canadians.

Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI)
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_004.cfm
Offers financial assistance for minor home adaptations that will help low-income seniors to perform daily activities in their home independently and safely.

Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Homeowner RRAP
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_001.cfm
Offers financial assistance to low-income homeowners for mandatory home repairs that will preserve the quality of affordable housing. Helps people who live in substandard dwellings and cannot afford to pay for necessary repairs to their home.

Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Rental RRAP
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_008.cfm
Offers financial assistance to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by low-income tenants. Available in both rural and urban areas.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Rooming House RRAP
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_010.cfm
Offers financial assistance to pay for mandatory repairs to rooming houses occupied by low-income tenants. Available in both rural and urban areas.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program - Secondary/Garden Suite RRAP
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_002.cfm
Offers financial assistance for the creation of a Secondary or Garden Suite for a low-income senior or adult with a disability, making it possible for them to live independently in their community, close to family and friends.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities - Disabilities RRAP
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_003.cfm
Offers financial assistance to allow homeowners and landlords to pay for modifications to make their property more accessible to persons with disabilities. These modifications are intended to eliminate physical barriers, imminent safety risks, and improve the ability to meet the demands of daily living within the home.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs - Conversion RRAP
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_009.cfm
Assists in the creation of affordable housing for low-income households by providing financial assistance to convert nonresidential properties into affordable, self-contained rental housing units or bed-units.

Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP)
Web site: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_011.cfm
Offers financial assistance to assist in the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters, and to assist in the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing for victims of family violence.

Administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories. 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.

Businesses and Self-Employed Individuals
Toll Free:  1-800-959-5525
Automated service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone agents are available Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 8:15am to 8:00pm. Discuss business and GST/HST registration, payroll, GST/HST (including rebates such as the new housing rebates), excise taxes and other levies, excise duties, corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships.

Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
Toll Free:  1-800-387-1193
A tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18. May include the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) or the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). Contact Canada Revenue Agency to see if you qualify. Automated telephone service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone agents are available Monday to Friday 8:15am to 5:00pm

Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit
Toll Free:  1-800-959-1953
A tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low or modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay.

Individual Income Tax Enquiries
Toll Free:  1-800-959-8281
Automated service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone agents are available Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 5:00pm. Provides tax information on individuals and trusts, including personal income tax returns, installments, RRSPs, and the Working Income Tax Benefit

My Account
Web site: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/esrvc-srvce/tx/ndvdls/myccnt/menu-eng.html
A secure online service that allows you to track refunds, view or change returns, check benefits, credit payments and RRSP limits, set up direct deposit, and more.

Surrey Tax Services Office
9755 King George Boulevard
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 GST/HST credit. Office hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8:15am to 4:30pm. Call for an appointment.

Has a legislative mandate, the Canadian Human Rights Act, to protect and promote human rights and equality. Under the Act, the commission will mediate and investigate complaints of discrimination or harassment based on a prohibited ground in employment or services within federal jurisdiction such as: federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations, chartered banks, airlines, television and radio stations, interprovincial communications and telephone companies, buses and railways that travel between provinces, First Nations, and other federally regulated industries.

Responsible for immigration, settlement, resettlement, citizenship, and multiculturalism programs and services. Screens and approves for admission, immigrants, foreign students, visitors and temporary workers who help Canada's social and economic growth, resettles, protects and provides a safe haven for refugees, helps newcomers adapt to Canadian society and become Canadian citizens, manages access to Canada to protect the security and health of Canadians and the integrity of Canadian laws, and helps Canadians and newcomers to participate fully in the economic, political, social and cultural life of the country.

Offers effective, helpful, and personalized support to members and their families during the extended absence of military and civilian members of the Department. Provides quality local support services to families of military members deployed on missions, taskings, field exercises, restricted postings, courses and other absences on temporary duty of 28 days or more. Also offers referrals to military and civil services, helpful information, periodic reunions and free mail service during deployment.

Designed to help new graduates transition into permanent, full-time employment in the environmental sector. Helps offset any risk associated with hiring a new-graduate by providing a wage-subsidy to employers that can account for up to one third of the intern’s salary for up to a maximum of $12,000. For more information on the program or to apply to become an intern, visit the website.

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

Assisted Living
Toll Free:  1-800-663-7867
Provide housing, hospitality services, and assistance services for adults who can live independently but require regular assistance with daily activities, usually because of age, illness or disabilities. Promote occupants' independence, while involving family and friends. Enables people to remain in their community as long as they are able to self-direct their own care. Maximize independence, while promoting choice, self-direction and dignity.

Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER)
101 - 4555 Kingsway
Burnaby,  BC   V5H 4V8   (Map)
Phone:  604-433-2218
Toll Free:  1-800-257-7756
Helps make rents affordable for BC seniors with low to moderate incomes. Provides monthly cash payments to subsidize rents for eligible BC residents who are age 60 or over and who pay rent for their homes. Provides subsidies to more than 16,000 senior households renting apartments in the private market, including singles, couples and people sharing a unit.

Allowance
PO Box 1177, Station CSC
Victoria,  BC   V8W 2V2   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
A monthly benefit for low-income seniors (aged 60 to 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). Delivered by Service Canada on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). See website for eligibility and how to apply.

Allowance for the Survivor
PO Box 1177, Station CSC
Victoria,  BC   V8W 2V2   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
Provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income widowed spouses who are not yet eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. Delivered by Service Canada on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). See website for eligibility and how to apply.

Bus Pass Program
PO Box 9985, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R6   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-866-866-0800
E-mail: HSDBUSPA@gov.bc.ca
Offers a low cost, annual bus pass providing access on BC Transit or Translink routed. Available to low-income seniors and provincial persons with disabilities clients. To be eligible for a bus pass, you must be: receiving Federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement or receiving Spouse’s Allowance to Old Age Security, over 65 years of age (would qualify for OAS and GIS except having less than 10 years residency in Canada), receiving Income Assistance (60 to 64 years of age), or receiving Income Assistance for persons with disabilities (18 to 64 years of age). Provided for a fee of $45 per year and is valid for one calendar year, expiring on December 31.

Canada Pension Plan - CPP
PO Box 1177 Station CSC
Victoria,  BC   V8W 2V2   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
Provides a monthly taxable benefit to retired contributors. Delivered by Service Canada on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Visit website for information on eligibility and how to apply.

Canadian Government Annuities (CGA)
Canadian Government Annuities Branch, PO Box 12,000
Bathurst,  NB   E2A 4T6   (Map)
Fax:  506-548-7428
Toll Free:  1-800-561-7922
Administers contracts on behalf of individuals who have contributed towards the purchase of an annuity either on their own or through their employers as part of a pension plan.

Fair Pharmacare
Phone:  604-683-7151
Toll Free:  1-800-663-7100
Provides financial assistance to BC residents for eligible prescription drugs and medical supplies based on their net income. There is no charge to register and there are no premiums to pay. Coverage begins immediately if you register by phone or online.

Guaranteed Income Supplement - GIS
PO Box 1177, Station CSC
Victoria,  BC   V8W 2V2   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
Provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to low-income Old Age Security (OAS) recipients living in Canada. Delivered by Service Canada on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

Independent Living BC
1701 - 4555 Kingsway
Burnaby,  BC   V5H 4V8   (Map)
Web site: http://www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/ILBC
Phone:  604-433-1711
Toll Free:  1-866-465-6873
Helps seniors and persons with disabilities live independently in affordable, self-contained housing, through the Independent Living BC program. Offers a middle option to bridge the gap between home care and residential care for those who need some assistance, but don’t want or need 24-hour professional nursing care. Offers accommodation, hospitality services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, recreational opportunities and 24-hour response, and personal care services such as assistance with grooming, mobility and medications

International Benefits
Service Canada
Ottawa,  ON   K1A 0L4   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-800-454-8731
Provides retirement, disability or survivor benefits to eligible individuals who have lived or worked in another country, or the surviving spouse, common-law partner, or children of eligible individuals who have lived or worked in another country.

Medical Services Plan (MSP) Premium Assistance
Phone:  604-683-7151
Toll Free:  1-800-663-7100
Provides low-income persons with subsidies that cover the full or partial cost of BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP). Help with the payment of premiums is available to Canadian citizens or holders of permanent resident status who have held that status and been resident in Canada for the past 12 consecutive months. There are two premium assistance programs: regular premium assistance and temporary premium assistance.

Old Age Security - OAS
PO Box 1177 Station CSC
Victoria,  BC   V8W 2V2   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-800-277-9914
A monthly benefit available to most Canadians 65 years of age who meet the Canadian legal status and residence requirements. Delivered by Service Canada on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Please apply to receive benefits.

Property Tax Deferment Program
PO Box 9475, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9W6   (Map)
Phone:  604-660-2421
Toll Free:  1-800-663-7867
A low-interest loan program that assists homeowners in BC in paying the annual property taxes on their principal residences. The two tax deferment programs are: the Regular Program which is for property owners who are 55 years or older, a surviving spouse or a person with disabilities as defined by regulation, and the Family with Children Program which is for property owners who are financially supporting, at the time of application, a dependent child who is under the age of 18.

Senior's Supplement (Province of BC)
9950 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria,  BC   V8W 9R3   (Map)
Toll Free:  1-866-866-0800
A monthly payment that ensures a conditionally guaranteed income level for BC residents receiving federal Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income supplement or federal Allowances. If the income level of an eligible senior's total income falls below the level guaranteed , the supplement makes up the difference. The maximum monthly supplement will be $49.30 for single seniors and $120.50 for senior couples and is paid automatically.

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 voice to the Federal Government on issues of concern. Office hours are normally 10:00am to 2:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Provides the primary telephone access point for information on the Government of Canada, its programs, services, new initiatives, products, and information on Canada. Bilingual information officers answer questions and direct callers to experts in government departments. Officers will be available in person Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm, EST.

A toll-free bilingual telephone service for families of Canadian military personnel, intended to provide information as well as reassurance, support, and referrals to other resources as needed. Counsellors are experienced, caring professionals familiar with Canadian Forces policies and operating procedures. Available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to midnight (EST), except on statutory holidays.

Contact Ms. Findlay at her local constituency office or write to her, postage free, at: Room 650 La Promenade, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6. For more information on the House of Commons, see www.parl.gc.ca.

Contact Ms. Wong at her local constituency office or write to her, postage free, at: Room 112 House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6. For more information on the House of Commons, see www.parl.gc.ca.

Offers job seeking tools and job postings with the government. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)
Provides full-time students with work experience related to their field of study and to provide them with learning opportunities. Also gives full-time secondary school, CEGEP, college, technical institute, and university students employment opportunities that will enrich their academic program and develop skills in preparation for future careers.

Post-Secondary Recruitment Program
Provides entry-level officer positions to university and college graduates. Positions are available across Canada, in a variety of fields and work environments. You may apply to individual career opportunities or to the general inventory.

English services only. Passport pickup service is not available at this location. Passports may be mailed to the applicant. Office hours are from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. The website provides instructions on how to fill out the passport application forms for both Canadians and Non-Canadians. Questions regarding certificates of identity and travel documents should be directed to the service location in Gatineau, Quebec.

Services offered by this branch include disability benefits, employment insurance, labour market information and social insurance number applications. For job searches, see also www.jobbank.gc.ca and www.eluta.ca. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm.

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 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
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.

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 information about the benefits available and eligibility requirements, including the War Veterans Allowance.