Service Canada Community Outreach and Liaison Service

Who we are

Service Canada is committed to helping people access Government of Canada programs and services.

The Community Outreach and Liaison Service (COLS) extends the reach of Service Canada by visiting communities across Canada, especially those with limited access to our in-person offices.

COLS focuses on building relationships with community organizations and partners to connect with people who may not otherwise have access to services. We also collaborate with other federal, provincial/territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners to offer many services in one location.

Our aim is to make it easier for clients to access our programs and services, particularly those who:

• may not be able to travel to an office
• may have difficulty accessing services online or by telephone

How we can help

Everyone should have easy access to the programs, services and benefits they are entitled to. COLS staff across Canada work with community organizations to provide individuals the information, tools and support they need.

Through our outreach activities, we can offer information on:

• Overview of Service Canada programs and how to access them
• How to navigate the Canada.ca website
• Social Insurance Number
• Employment Insurance benefits
• Canadian Dental Care Plan
• Canada Disability Benefit
• Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
• Retirement planning tools and resources
• Indigenous programs and services
• Services for seniors
• Services for persons with disabilities
• Services for newcomers and temporary foreign workers
• Information for employers
• Apprenticeship grants
• Youth programs
• Job Bank
• Programs and services from some other federal departments

Community organizations can request a variety of outreach activities, including:

• clinics to help clients with completing their applications for Service Canada programs and benefits
• information sessions on Service Canada programs, services and benefits for citizens, or employees and volunteers of community organizations
• Service Canada representatives at community events, fairs or kiosks, to answer questions and provide information on Service Canada programs, services and benefits

We also offer responsive outreach to:

• employers and workers facing labour market adjustments
• communities experiencing emergency situations

Services for organizations and communities

We collaborate with organizations and communities to reach clients where they are to raise awareness of Government of Canada programs, services and benefits available to individuals facing barriers.

We also provide support to employers whose businesses are impacted by economic downturns and other financial challenges. To find out more about available services, consult the Services for employers section.

Engagement

COLS aims to build strong relationships directly with community and organizations to better understand clients' needs and bring services closer to those who need them most.

Through engagement, we can:

• learn more about your clients' needs
• visit your community organization to deliver tailored information sessions to your clients or employees on Service Canada programs, services and benefits
• offer application clinics to help clients apply for and access benefits
• host kiosks or deliver presentations at community events

Service Referral Initiative

The Service Referral Initiative (SRI) entails collaborating with community organizations to identify at-risk and vulnerable individuals who may be eligible for federal services and benefits and referring them directly to a Service Canada representative for tailored support. These clients often experience barriers to service and may not be able to access benefits through other channels. If your organization would like to learn more about this initiative, submit a request online.

Responsive outreach

We recognize the importance of supporting communities affected by emergency situations. We offer both on-site and virtual services to assist community members as needed. We are available when and where people need us most, providing easy access to Service Canada's programs, services and benefits.

To learn more or to request an outreach activity, submit a Request more information or a Service Canada Outreach activity on behalf of your organization or business.

Services for employers

The Community Outreach and Liaison Service (COLS) offers support to employers, employees and worker associations facing economic downturns, natural disasters or emergencies, and other financial challenges. Activities are provided as needed and can be customized to the specific needs of your organization and workforce.

Examples of services offered include:

• general information on the Work-Sharing Program, and the steps required to apply:
  • once the agreement has been signed between the employer and Service Canada, an information session can be scheduled to learn more about the benefits available to support your employees. To obtain more information on the Work-Sharing program, visit the Work-Sharing Program - Contact us page
• information sessions for workers affected by layoffs, closures or other disruptions:
  • information on Employment Insurance benefits, training, careers and employment opportunities available
  • support and benefits available in response to emergency situations in the workplace (natural/environmental disaster)
• application intake clinics for Employment Insurance, including Work-Sharing, where a Service Canada representative can visit the employer's facility to offer employees in-person assistance to apply for benefits
• information and resources to help understand programs like the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security to assist with retirement planning
• information on other programs and services for employers

The Employer Contact Centre provides specific information on some of Service Canada's employer-related programs and services, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you would like information about or to request an outreach activity, submit a Request more information or a Service Canada Outreach activity on behalf of your organization or business.

Request more information or a Service Canada Outreach activity on behalf of your organization or business

To request a Service Canada Outreach activity or obtain more information about COLS or the Service Referral Initiative, select your province or territory below. Fill out the request form and submit it to Service Canada. A Service Canada representative will contact you within 5 business days to discuss your request.

Services for clients

Service Canada expands its reach by offering outreach activities within communities. You can consult this page to find upcoming outreach events in your community. If you are unable or prefer not to travel to a Service Canada office and need information or assistance applying for Service Canada programs or benefits such as:

• Social Insurance Number
• Canadian Dental Care Plan
• Canada Disability Benefit
• Employment Insurance
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security, and
• other Government of Canada programs and services

Find a Service Canada outreach activity near you

Related links

• Canada Revenue Agency - How outreach officers can help your community learn about tax and benefits
• Learn and Plan for your retirement
• Manage life events

Contact us

Call: 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)

TTY: 1-800-926-9105

From outside Canada: 1 800 O-Canada

Use Find a Service Canada Office to:

• find a Service Canada office near you
• find a passport office near you

You can request assistance for Service Canada services by completing an eServiceCanada Service Request Form and get personalized support on programs such as:

• Employment Insurance
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security, and more

Once you have submitted the eServiceCanada service request form, a trained Service Canada representative will call you within 2 business days.