WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, February 5, 2010—Access to federal programs and services will be easier for the increased amount of workers and visitors to the Olympics and Paralympics thanks to a new temporary Service Canada Centre in Whistler. The centre was officially opened today by Mr. John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“The new temporary Service Canada Centre in Whistler is delivering services where they are needed to support the influx of workers for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as to increase awareness of Government of Canada programs,” said Mr. Weston. “This is a well-timed addition to the broad array of federal services already available to people in the Corridor.”
The temporary Whistler Service Canada Centre located at 201–4230 Gateway Drive will be open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., from February 3, 2010, until March 30, 2010, to support the increased needs in the area.
The centre will offer a full range of government services and benefits, including foreign credential referral, Social Insurance Number application, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits, and Employment Insurance services. Moreover, this new temporary facility builds on the existing Scheduled Outreach services, and provides an interactive, welcoming and accessible environment for Service Canada clients.
The Government of Canada is proud to welcome a team of Service Canada employees from across Canada to Whistler. The highly trained staff will provide services to both residents and visitors to the Games in both official languages.
Service Canada continues to deliver on its goal to provide Canadians with one-stop, personalized service they can access however they choose—by Internet, by telephone or in person.
For more information on the new temporary Whistler Service Canada Centre, and on other government programs, services and benefits, contact 1 800 O-Canada (1‑800‑622-6232), TTY: 1-800-926-9105; go online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca; or visit one of 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
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
