Canadian Public Service Contacts: Phone Numbers & Services

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Finding the right government department or public service in Canada can sometimes be confusing, especially when you need help with taxes, government benefits, immigration, employment, healthcare or other essential services. With different federal, provincial and territorial departments handling different programs, knowing where to start can save you time and frustration.

The Canadian Public Service Contacts Directory by AllReview.ca brings together important government phone numbers, official contact pages and public-service resources in one convenient location. Whether you need to contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Service Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), or your provincial government, this guide will help you find the appropriate starting point.

This page is designed for Canadian residents, newcomers, students, workers, families, seniors, travellers and small-business owners looking for reliable government contact information.

We prioritise official government websites so you can verify phone numbers, operating hours, application procedures and available services directly with the responsible department.

Important: AllReview.ca is an independent Canadian information website. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada. Telephone numbers, office hours and program procedures can change, so always confirm the latest information through the official contact page before calling.

QUICK LINKS
Government of CanadaJobs and Employment
Service CanadaConsumer Protection and Fraud
Taxes and CRATransportation and Travel
Benefits and PensionsProvincial and Territorial Governments
Immigration and PassportsBusiness and Other Services
Emergency and Public SafetyHow to Contact Government
Healthcare and Social SupportFAQs

1. Government of Canada General Contacts

The Government of Canada provides federal programs and services covering immigration, taxation, employment, pensions, public safety, transportation and many other areas. If you are unsure which department handles your concern, start with the official federal contact directory.

Government of Canada General Enquiries

The general information line can help direct you to the appropriate federal department. It is not a replacement for specialised program lines, such as those handling tax accounts, immigration applications or individual benefit claims.

Other useful federal contacts include:

  • Find your Member of Parliament: House of Commons Members — Contact your elected federal representative about federal matters.
  • Government departments and agencies: Federal contact directory — Find contact information by department or program.
  • Government employee directory: Government Electronic Directory Services — Search for participating federal public servants and organisational contact information.
  • Government announcements: Canada.ca News — Find official announcements, policy updates and public information.

2. Service Canada Contacts

Service Canada helps Canadians access several federal programs, including Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Social Insurance Number services.

If you need help with a federal benefit, pension or employment-related service, identify the specific program before contacting Service Canada. Different programs have different telephone lines and online services.

Useful Service Canada resources

You can use the office locator to find available in-person services and check whether an appointment or specific documentation is required.

For personal information, such as a benefit claim or pension application, use the designated program contact rather than a general enquiries line whenever possible.

3. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Contacts

The Canada Revenue Agency administers federal income tax, GST/HST, payroll deductions, various tax credits and several government benefit programs.

If you have questions about filing your tax return, receiving a benefit payment, updating your tax information or managing your business account, use the CRA contact page to identify the correct telephone number.

CRA Personal Income Tax Enquiries

The CRA website provides information about personal tax returns, notices of assessment, registered accounts, tax credits and online account access.

CRA Business and GST/HST Services

Business owners may need help with corporate income tax, GST/HST registration, payroll deductions, filing requirements or business account access.

Use the official CRA contact directory to confirm the appropriate business or GST/HST telephone line.

Before calling the CRA

Have your relevant tax information available, and use only official CRA contact details. The CRA will have identity-verification procedures before discussing protected account information. Never share passwords, verification codes or banking credentials with someone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming to represent the CRA.

For more information, visit our Canadian government and benefits guides on AllReview.ca.

4. Canadian Government Benefits and Pension Contacts

Canadian residents may qualify for federal benefits and pension programs depending on their age, income, employment history, family situation, disability status and other eligibility requirements.

Because different departments administer different benefits, choosing the correct contact can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Employment Insurance (EI)

Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals who lose employment or qualify for certain special benefits.

Contact EI for questions about applications, claim status, reporting requirements and other claim-related matters. Check the official page for current hours and the correct options for your enquiry.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)

The Canada Pension Plan provides retirement, disability, survivor and related benefits to eligible contributors and beneficiaries. Old Age Security provides pension benefits and related income support to eligible seniors.

Use the official pension contact information to ask about applications, payment status, eligibility, changes to personal information and other pension matters.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families raising children under 18.

The CRA administers the CCB. Parents and guardians should consult the official program information for eligibility, applications, payment dates and changes in family circumstances.

GST/HST Credit and Other Tax Benefits

The GST/HST credit helps eligible individuals and families offset some of the GST or HST they pay.

For payment enquiries, eligibility questions and tax-related changes, use the CRA’s official contact information.

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan helps eligible Canadian residents access covered dental care, subject to program requirements.

Check the official website for application information, coverage details and the appropriate contact for enrolment or coverage questions.

Canada Disability Benefit

The Canada Disability Benefit is a federal income-support program for eligible persons with disabilities.

Visit the program page for eligibility requirements, applications, payment information and official contact options.

Tip: For more detailed explanations of benefit eligibility and payment schedules, explore the AllReview.ca guide to Canadian Benefits and Payment Dates.

5. Immigration, Citizenship and Passport Contacts

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) handles many federal immigration and citizenship services, including permanent residence, work permits, study permits, visitor visas and citizenship applications.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

The IRCC contact centre can provide assistance for eligible enquiries, subject to its services and information-access rules. Some questions are better handled through online application tools or the web form.

Canadian Passport Services

Canadian citizens can use the Passport Program for passport applications, renewals, replacement documents and related services.

If you need a passport urgently, check the official requirements for urgent or express processing, available locations, documentation and additional fees.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

The CBSA administers border services, customs requirements, immigration enforcement and the movement of goods and people across Canada’s borders.

For questions about crossing the border, importing goods, customs declarations or border procedures, consult the relevant CBSA contact information.

Newcomers can also explore the AllReview.ca Newcomers to Canada Guide for practical settlement information.

6. Emergency Services and Public Safety Contacts

Knowing which service to contact during an emergency can make a critical difference. Emergency numbers should be used for urgent situations, while non-emergency concerns should be directed to the relevant local or federal agency.

Emergency Services — 911

Call 911 for an immediate police, fire or ambulance emergency where the service is available. Examples include serious injuries, fires, immediate threats to safety and other urgent situations.

Do not use 911 for routine enquiries, general government questions or non-urgent administrative matters.

Suicide Crisis Helpline — 988

This service provides suicide crisis support in Canada. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

The RCMP provides federal policing services and contract policing in many provinces, territories and communities.

For non-emergency incidents, contact your local police service or the relevant RCMP detachment.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides information about fraud, scams and cybercrime affecting Canadians.

Use the official website for current reporting instructions and guidance on what information to provide. If you have lost money or believe your accounts have been compromised, contact your financial institution and local police as appropriate.

7. Healthcare, Mental Health and Social Support Contacts

Healthcare services in Canada are primarily delivered through provincial and territorial systems. The federal government provides national health information, public health resources and certain federal programs, but it is not the main contact for every medical concern.

Health Canada

Health Canada provides information about health products, consumer product safety, regulations and federal health policies.

Public Health Agency of Canada

The agency provides public health information, disease-prevention guidance and information about national public health initiatives.

Provincial Health Cards and Medical Services

For health cards, provincial health coverage, family doctors, hospital services and provincial health programs, contact your provincial or territorial health ministry.

For example, Ontario residents can visit Ontario Health Services for information about provincial healthcare services.

Community and Social Services — 211 Canada

The 211 service connects people with community, government and social services, including food assistance, housing support, family services and local community programs. Service availability and contact methods vary by region.

Food Banks and Community Assistance

Contact the relevant local organisation to confirm its service area, eligibility requirements, hours and available assistance.

8. Jobs, Employment and Workplace Rights

Canadians who need help finding work, applying for employment insurance or understanding workplace rights can access several federal and provincial services.

Government of Canada Job Bank

Job Bank provides job listings, career-planning information, occupational descriptions and labour-market resources.

Federal Public Service Employment

This website provides information about federal public service employment opportunities, application procedures and recruitment.

Employment Standards and Workplace Complaints

Most employment standards matters are handled by provincial or territorial governments. Examples include minimum wage, overtime, vacation pay, hours of work and termination rules.

Before submitting a complaint, review the applicable rules and deadlines with the responsible labour department.

9. Consumer Protection, Privacy and Financial Services

Canadians can contact specialised government agencies and regulators for concerns involving fraud, financial services, misleading business practices and personal information.

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

This agency provides information about banking, credit cards, mortgages, financial consumer rights and financial literacy.

Competition Bureau Canada

The Competition Bureau addresses matters involving competition and certain deceptive marketing practices. Its website explains how to submit information or a complaint.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Find information about federal privacy laws, personal information protection and how to raise a privacy concern.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Consult the official website for fraud prevention advice and reporting instructions.

10. Transportation, Travel and Border Services

Whether you are travelling within Canada or preparing for an international trip, official transportation and travel websites provide information about safety, regulations, documents and travel assistance.

Transport Canada

Transport Canada oversees federal transportation policies and regulations covering aviation, marine, rail and road transportation.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

CATSA provides information about airport security screening, permitted items and passenger screening procedures.

Travel.gc.ca

Travel.gc.ca provides international travel advisories, entry requirements, safety information and contact details for Canadian consular services abroad.

Parks Canada

Find information about national parks, historic sites, camping, reservations and visitor services.

11. Provincial and Territorial Government Contacts

Many services Canadians use every day are managed by provincial and territorial governments. These include driver’s licences, health cards, birth certificates, education, provincial taxes, housing assistance and local employment standards.

If you need a service that is not administered federally, start with the official website for your province or territory.

Provincial Governments

Territorial Governments

These websites provide access to official department directories, online services, contact forms and public information.

12. Business, Small Business and Other Government Services

Canadian entrepreneurs, employers and self-employed individuals may need to contact federal agencies about registration, taxes, financing, regulations and business support.

Canada Business Services

Find guidance about starting a business, registering a business, hiring employees, obtaining permits and managing ongoing obligations.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

BDC offers business financing and advisory services, subject to its products and eligibility requirements.

Statistics Canada

Find Canadian population statistics, economic data, business information and official statistical publications.

Elections Canada

Access federal election information, voter registration resources and electoral district details.

Canada Post

Find support for mail delivery, tracking, shipping, postal services and other customer enquiries.

13. How to Contact Canadian Government Departments Successfully

Contacting a government department can be easier when you prepare the necessary information and choose the correct service channel.

1. Identify the Responsible Department

Start by identifying whether your concern belongs to the federal government, a provincial or territorial government, or a municipal authority. For example, federal income tax matters generally go to the CRA, while provincial driver’s licences are handled by the relevant provincial government.

2. Use the Official Contact Page

Before calling, visit the department’s official website. Confirm its current phone number, opening hours, contact form and available online services.

3. Prepare Relevant Information

Depending on your enquiry, you may need application references, account details, correspondence or supporting documents. Only provide sensitive information through verified, official channels.

4. Ask for a Reference Number

If you submit an enquiry or complaint, keep any confirmation or reference number provided. It may help you follow up later.

5. Be Careful of Government Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters sometimes pretend to represent the CRA, immigration authorities or other public agencies. Do not rely on caller ID alone, and never share passwords, banking credentials or verification codes with unexpected callers. If you are unsure, end the call and contact the department using the number published on its official website.

6. Consider Online Services

Many government tasks can be completed through secure online accounts, including checking application status, accessing tax information, applying for benefits and updating personal details. Online services may be faster than telephone enquiries, depending on the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We heard you, which is why Allreview.ca has compiled and answered most, if not all, of the frequently asked questions so that you don’t have to do the research yourself.

What is the main phone number for the Government of Canada?

The general information number is 1-800-622-6232 (1-800-O-Canada). It can help you find information about federal programs and services. For specialised enquiries, use the responsible department’s official contact page.

What number should I call for the CRA?

For personal income tax enquiries, the commonly used CRA number is 1-800-959-8281. Check the official CRA contact directory for current hours and the correct line for your particular issue.

How do I contact Service Canada about EI?

The Employment Insurance information line is 1-800-206-7218. You can also visit the official EI contact page for other contact options.

How do I contact Canadian immigration?

Call 1-888-242-2100 from within Canada or use the [official IRCC contact page]

Are the websites listed on this page affiliated with AllReview.ca?

No. AllReview.ca is an independent information website. The external links are provided for convenience, and each organisation is responsible for its own website, services, policies and information.

How often should I check these links?

For information about taxes, benefits, immigration, employment, healthcare and government programs, consult the official website whenever you need current information. Links and program requirements can change.

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