SQUAMISH, BRITISH COLUMBIA, November 9, 2009—Residents of Squamish and the Sea to Sky Corridor now have better access to federal programs and services. Mr. John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, announced today the opening of a new Service Canada Centre in Squamish, British Columbia.
Mr. Weston made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“With this new Service Canada Centre, residents of Squamish and surrounding neighbourhoods have access to personalized assistance about important programs and services,” said Mr. Weston. “The centre is also ideally located to support clients in Whistler during the 2010 Winter Games.”
The new Service Canada Centre in Squamish is a stand-alone centre in an area that was previously served through Service Canada’s outreach services.
“While Squamish has been well served in the past by Service Canada’s outreach services, this new centre brings consistency and a sense of permanence to residents,” said Mr. Weston.
Squamish’s location halfway between Vancouver and Whistler means that the new centre is also ideally positioned to support clients during the 2010 Winter Games. “We are very proud to be the face of the Government of Canada for so many Canadians and to share that pride with the world,” said Mr. Weston.
The new Squamish Service Canada Centre officially opened on November 2, 2009. The new centre will provide access to programs and benefits such as Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, as well as services available at www.canada.gc.ca and through 1 800 O-Canada.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Service Canada is committed to improving access to services, especially during these challenging times. Service Canada is the Government of Canada’s one-stop service delivery network, giving citizens access to a range of federal services by phone 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
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Service Canada is committed to improving access to services in these difficult times, and is working hard to provide Canadians living in communities like Squamish easier access to government assistance and information.
Service Canada is the Government of Canada’s one-stop service delivery network, giving citizens access to a range of federal services through 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232), TTY: 1 800 926-9105, online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca, or in-person services at over 600 points of service in communities throughout Canada.
The Service Canada Centre in Squamish is a new stand-alone centre in an area which was previously served through Outreach services. 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.
The new centre will provide access to services and benefits like Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and services available through the www.canada.gc.ca Web site and 1 800 O-Canada.
In addition to the increased access to services for the residents of Squamish and the Sea to Sky corridor, the new location will provide enhanced federal visibility in the community.
The District of Squamish is located 70 km north of Vancouver and 60 km south of Whistler and will be central to the 2010 Winter Games. The centre will provide service to Canadians from all over the country during the Games.
