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.
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
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →