Who handles social services?
Social Services
Social services are delivered through a complex partnership. Federal provides national benefits like Canada Child Benefit and OAS, provinces administer social assistance programs (names vary by province), and municipalities deliver front-line community services.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Social assistance in Canada is primarily a provincial responsibility, with each province setting its own eligibility criteria and benefit amounts.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- ● Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- ● Employment Insurance benefits
- ● Canada Disability Benefit
💡 Example: Apply for the Canada Child Benefit through the CRA, or contact Service Canada about OAS/GIS.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial social assistance programs (e.g., Ontario Works, BC Employment Assistance, Alberta Income Support, Quebec Social Assistance)
- ● Provincial disability support programs (e.g., ODSP, AISH, PWD)
- ● Child protection services (Children's Aid Societies, etc.)
- ● Provincial housing subsidies
💡 Example: Contact your provincial social services office, or your MPP/MLA about benefit levels and program access.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Social housing administration
- ● Homelessness services and shelters
💡 Example: Contact your municipal social services department, or your councillor about local community programs.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your provincial MLA/MPP about social assistance rates and social services funding in your province.
- ● Volunteer at community organizations that provide direct support to people relying on social assistance.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Social services include income support (welfare/OAS/GIS), housing assistance, food banks, employment services, child welfare, and mental health supports. They vary significantly by province.
Apply through your provincial Ministry of Social Development. Requirements vary by province but generally include proof of identity, residency, income, and assets.
Federal programs include OAS, GIS, CPP, and the Canada Child Benefit. Provincial programs include welfare/social assistance, healthcare, education, and housing assistance.
Food banks are run by local charities (often through Food Banks Canada). They provide free food to people in need. No proof of income is usually required - they operate on a honour system.
The CWB is a refundable tax credit for low-income workers, providing up to $1,456 per year (or $2,888 with dependents). It is designed to supplement earned income.