Stories and testimonials

Be inspired by others. Discover how Employment and Social Development Canada programs and services are making a difference in the lives of people in Canada.

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Children and families

Parents and caregivers providing the best possible start in life for their children.

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Youth (ages 12 to 30)

Youth in Canada on their paths to greatness.

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Job seekers and Workers

Canadians and newcomers pursuing their passions and careers, and the employers, organizations and programs helping them make it happen.

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Persons with disabilities

Stories of progress in building a more accessible and inclusive Canada.

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Older adults and seniors

Active seniors and the people, organizations, programs, and services supporting them.

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Communities

Individuals and organizations making a social impact in communities through Government of Canada funding, support and initiatives.

Learn more about social development programming.

Explore the impacts of Employment and Social Development Canada’s programs and services through the words and experiences of the real people and organizations in your community benefiting from them.

Informative articles, podcasts and videos.

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  • Thank an older adult - Thank you, Denis!

    Inspired by his mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s, Denis brings joy to retirement homes through music. Even when memories fade, music remains, creating moments of comfort and connection.

    • Video
    • National Seniors Day
  • Learn how these students got summer jobs that will help them in their future careers—and how you could too!

    The Government of Canada offered up to 76,000 jobs this year through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. This makes it easier for employers to hire extra staff for the busy summer months, and young people are more likely to find jobs in their community to earn an income over the summer.

    • Article
    • Canada Summer Jobs
  • Thank an older adult - Thank you, Ginette!

    In retirement, Ginette turned her vision into reality by starting a small farm; a project that has brought deep meaning to this new chapter of her life. She shares her love for animals with her grandchildren, passing down not only practical skills but also lifelong values.

    • Video
    • National Seniors Day
  • Supporting seniors in the Maritimes

    Supported by the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Sudanese Association of the Maritimes is making a profound impact on the lives of older adults in their community. The organization serves as a vital support network for newcomers and refugees from Sudan.

    • Video
    • New Horizons for Seniors Program
  • Thank an older adult - Thank you, Simon!

    As an Anishnabee artist, Simon Brascoupé shares his culture through his art—bridging generations and celebrating the rich traditions of Indigenous knowledge.

    • Video
    • National Seniors Day
  • Shaping Young Minds Through Play

    When children play in environments that reflect who they are, they feel free to explore, connect, and make lasting connections. Early Childhood Educators create inclusive spaces where where children feel seen, safe, and ready to learn.

    • Video
    • Early Learning and Child Care
  • What accessibility means to Camp Misquah campers

    Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund’s small projects component, Camp Misquah has received over $140,000 to install accessibility features that enable all campers to create cherished memories each year that last a lifetime.

    • Video
    • Enabling Accessibility Fund
  • Daphnée Veilleux-Lemieux and Chiots Nordiques

    Spotlight on Dr. Daphnée Veilleux-Lemieux, a Canada’s Volunteer Awards recipient for her amazing efforts with Chiots Nordiques. So many volunteers are making a difference in communities across Canada.

    • Video
    • Canada’s Volunteer Awards
  • Supporting seniors in Nova Scotia

    Supported by the New Horizons for Seniors Program, Nova Scotia Walks is making a positive impact, one step at a time. Meet some amazing members and see how walking together is changing lives!

    • Video
    • New Horizons for Seniors Program
  • The Impact of Community Services Recovery Fund

    People First of Canada isn’t just an organization—they are a powerful advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. When the pandemic left their members isolated, they used funds from the Community Services Recovery Fund to help them reconnect and emerge from the pandemic stronger.

    • Video
    • Community Services Recovery Fund
  • “We are proud to be Métis. Watch our nation rise again.”

    Métis Nation Saskatchewan is making it possible for a whole new generation to learn Michif and Dene and to grow up proud to be Métis.

    • Video
    • Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
  • The Impact of Canada’s Support for Black People

    Watch three women leaders highlight the impact of Canada’s support on the development of their organizations: Compagnie Théâtre Créole, Femmes en emploi, and Not Just You.

    • Video
    • Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative
  • My Little Métis Box

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Manitoba Métis Federation developed an incredible project to keep children and families connected to their culture and identity. A Red River Métis-centric educational box is delivered quarterly, full of materials that parents and children can explore and enjoy together. This is the story of the people behind the My Little Métis Box and the families who received it.

    • Video
    • Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
  • Making a difference through volunteer work

    Check out how the Centre Jacques-Cartier, a shelter and community centre, helps youth aged 16 to 35 with the support of dedicated volunteers.

    • Video
    • Canada’s Volunteer Awards
  • Cidery's employer experience with Canada Summer Jobs

    Check out what Karl from 1818 Farm and Cidery had to say about his experience over the summer with Canada Summer Jobs. Finding extra hands helped their business thrive during the busy season.

    • Video
    • Canada Summer Jobs
  • Supporting seniors in Yukon

    The Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council created the Elders in Residence project. This initiative offers at-risk women the opportunity to connect with Elders and engage in cultural activities such as sewing, crafting and beading.

    • Video
    • New Horizons for Seniors Program
  • Hear from Skilled Trades Professionals

    Hear what passionate skilled trades professionals have to say about their experience.

    • Video
    • Skilled Trades
  • Canadian Women Driving Change for Gender Equality

    Hear from the remarkable women who represented Canada at the High-Level Political Forum as they share how they’re helping to advance gender equality through concrete actions in their communities and why it is so important.

    • Video
    • Sustainable Development Goals
  • Canada Service Corps: Through The Eyes of Youth

    Volunteering with Canada Service Corps has a profound impact on the lives of youth.

    • Video
    • Canada Service Corps
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Lynda's story

    As a transitional addictions support worker, Lynda Ahenakew is now helping others find their way. Watch her journey here!

    • Video
    • Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program
  • Camp Misquah - A summer work experience like no other!

    Camp Misquah is a residential camping experience for adults and children with special needs. Many youth hired by the camp through Canada Summer Jobs describe their coworkers as “family” and have felt inspired to come back year after year.

    • Video
    • Canada Summer Jobs
  • Supporting seniors in Regina

    For the past 20 years, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has been supporting projects that help seniors participate in their communities and increase their social inclusion. Short Breaks in Regina does just that! This video illustrates the impact of “Short Breaks” and how it extends to the whole community.

    • Video
    • New Horizons for Seniors Program
  • What young Canadians love about the skilled trades

    Watch some inspiring young Canadians speaking about their passion for the skilled trades!

    • Video
    • Skilled Trades
  • Why use GCOS to apply for ESDC funding?

    Be one of the over 40,000 Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) users across the country—like Justin—whose organizations are benefiting from GCOS.

    • Video
    • Online Services
  • Regina Flying Club

    Are you between the ages of 15 and 30 and looking for work opportunities this summer? Now’s the time to start searching for a job that will help give you the experience you are looking for!

    • Video
    • Canada Summer Jobs
  • Stories from Early Childhood Educators

    We asked the recipients of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education to share some special memories of supporting children and families.

    • Video
    • Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program
  • Swaraj’s journey with Canada Summer Jobs

    Swaraj’s journey with Canada Summer Jobs aligned with his love of sports: he used his marketing expertise to unite Canadians and promote healthy communities. He hopes to highlight the valuable role persons with disabilities can play in any workplace.

    • Video
    • Canada Summer Jobs
  • Making a Difference – How Service Canada supported Ukrainian nationals

    Under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel, launched in March 2022, more than 220,000 Ukrainian nationals arrived in Canada. Service Canada was there to help newcomers like Slava and Kateryna get the support they needed to start their new lives in Canada.

    • Video
    • Social Insurance Number
  • Celebrating Women in STEM: Jamie’s experience with the Student Work Placement Program

    During her first-year of university, Jamie Asselin applied to the Student Work Placement Program and gained valuable experience working alongside her mentor Jaahnavi Dave at the Bell Lab in Ottawa.

    • Video
    • Student Work Placement Program
  • How the Canada Service Corps can help you achieve your goals

    We have an idea: Explore a volunteer service opportunity through the Canada Service Corps! Give back. Expand your networks. Gain new skills and experience.

    • Video
    • Canada Service Corps
  • Success stories: Indigenous Labour Market Programs

    Indigenous labour market programs are helping to change lives.

    • Article
    • Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program
  • Helping Indigenous people improve skills and find employment - Chef Norma

    After trying different occupations, Norma decided she needed to pursue a career in something she was passionate about: cooking.

    • Video
    • Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program
  • Rosanna's Story

    Helping Indigenous people improve skills and find employment

    • Video
    • Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program
  • Let’s Talk Future Skills podcast series

    The Future Skills podcast series explores the impact of technology, new business models, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors on workforce trends and emerging in-demand skills.

    • Podcast
    • Future Skills

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Our stories

Our employees are dedicated to providing service excellence. Learn more about our service stories and how our work is supporting Canadians.

Service Canada serves the people of Canada

Service Canada employees across the country are delivering important services to people across Canada, from issuing Social Insurance Numbers and passports to processing Employment Insurance claims and Old Age Security benefits.

Learn more about Service Canada’s services.

Federally regulated workplaces are improving

The Labour Program is helping improve working conditions for federally regulated workers in Canada.

Learn more about the Labour Program.

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2025-10-03