RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA, November 13, 2009-Residents of Richmond who speak Mandarin and Cantonese now have better access to federal government services. Ms. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Richmond, announced today the relocation of a Multi-Language Extension Services Outreach Site in Richmond.
Ms. Wong made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Through Multi-Language Extension Services Outreach Sites such as this one in Richmond, the Government of Canada is helping newcomers gain access to government services and benefits by offering them in languages other than English and French," said Ms. Wong. "It is important for all residents to be aware of the supports and services that will help them participate and succeed in their communities."
Service Canada teams will offer service to Cantonese and Mandarin speakers in Richmond for programs and benefits such as Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, as well as other information available through www.canada.gc.ca and 1 800 O‑Canada.
Service Canada is the Government of Canada's one-stop service delivery network, giving citizens access to a range of federal services by telephone at 1 800 O‑Canada (1-800-622-6232, TTY: 1-800-926-9105), online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at over 600 points of service in communities throughout Canada.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
National Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Service Canada is the Government of Canada's one-stop service delivery network, giving citizens access to a range of federal services by telephone at 1 800 O‑Canada (1-800-622-6232, TTY: 1-800-926-9105), online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at over 600 points of service in communities throughout Canada.
Through Outreach Services, Service Canada is committed to providing service in the communities where clients live, and offering Canadians greater access to Government of Canada information and services in areas that are under-served.
Multi-Language Extension Services
Multi-Language Extension Services is a mobile Service Canada service offering in Greater Vancouver that focuses on providing Government of Canada information and services in languages other than English and French. This approach is part of Service Canada's Multi-Language Service Initiative and its commitment to decrease barriers and improve access to programs and services in Aboriginal and foreign languages for newcomers.
The Government of Canada recognizes that many newcomers face significant language barriers when accessing government programs and services. As a result, they may not be able to access these programs and services as readily as other segments of our population.
In an effort to better serve these clients in locations where they are more comfortable, two Service Canada teams will offer services to Cantonese and Mandarin speakers in Richmond, British Columbia.
Services offered at the Richmond Multi-Language Outreach Site
At this location, staff will use laptop computers and telephones to assist clients in accessing Service Canada initiatives and benefits such as Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, as well as programs and services available through www.canada.gc.ca and 1 800 O‑Canada. Representatives will have access to internal computer applications in order to assist with basic enquiries.
