FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We get hundreds of phone calls every week from constituents who need information or assistance. Below are the answers to the most commonly asked questions that we receive. We hope you find this helpful! Please remember, if you need assistance with any Federal Government agency or need to obtain government forms, please don't hesitate to call us or drop by our office. Federal Government matters include issues relating to Revenue Canada, Employment Insurance, Passports, Pensions, Social Insurance Number, Pardons, citizenship and Immigration. Provincial matters include birth certificates, driver and vehicle services, health cards, welfare, social assistance, housing etc and problems and/or questions related to these issues must be addressed by your local Member of Provincial Parliament, Todd Smith (613-962-1144) or you can visit Service Ontario, a one-stop spot for Provincial departments and forms.

1. How do I obtain a Pardon?
2. My 65th birthday is coming up and I want to apply for the Canada Pension Plan. How do I go about doing this?
3. What is "OAS" and how do I apply for it?
4. What is the "GIS"?
5. What do I need to do to get a passport?
6. How do I go about getting a congratulatory scroll from Mr. Kramp or the Prime Minister?
7. How do I apply for Employment Insurance?
8. How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?
9. How do I apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit?
10. How do I apply for the Universal Child Care Benefit?
11. What is the Home Renovation Tax Credit?
12. Am I eligible to take advantage of the EcoEnergy Homes Program?
13. I am a new Canadian citizen and would like some help!

1. Obtaining a Pardon: A person may apply for a pardon if he/she was convicted of an offence under a federal act or regulation of Canada. A person may apply even if he/she is not a Canadian citizen or a resident of Canada. A person may also apply if he/she was convicted in another country and transferred to Canada under the Transfer of Offenders Act. A person must obtain a Pardon Application Guide from our constituency office or download one here.The Guide will outline how to obtain required documents such as the criminal record, local police records check and other pertinent information. An applicant does not need a lawyer or representative to apply for a pardon. For assistance, an applicant may call the Pardons Section toll-free number: 1-800-874-2652 or contact our Constituency Office.

2. Applying for the Canada Pension Plan: Remember, it is a good idea to apply for your pension at least 6 months before you want it to commence. In order to receive CPP, you need to fill out an application form which you can obtain from our Constituency Office or download one here.

3. What is OAS and how do I apply for it?: The Old Age Security program provides you with a modest pension at age 65 if you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years. If you are a low-income senior, you may be eligible for other benefits as early as age 60. You can obtain an application form for OAS at our Constituency Office or you can download one here.

4. What is the "GIS"?: The GIS is the "Guaranteed Income Supplement". It provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet certain income requirements. To find out more about the GIS contact us at the Constituency Office or call 1 800 277-9914.

5. What do I need to get a passport?:See our whole section on obtaining a passport by clicking here!

6. How do I go about getting a certificate or birthday scroll from Mr. Kramp or the Prime Minister?: See our whole section on celebratory greetings by clicking here!

7. I was just laid off from my work. How do I apply for Employment Insurance (EI)?: To find out if you can receive EI benefits, you must submit an application for EI online by clicking here or in person at a Service Canada Centre, even if you received or will receive money when you become unemployed or if you do not have your record of employment (ROE). You must request your Record(s) of Employment (ROE) from your last employer as well as from any employer(s) you worked for in the last 52 weeks. Submit your application as soon as possible whether or not you have your ROE(s). If you are having difficulty obtaining your ROE(s) from your employer go to your Service Canada Centre or contact them at 1 800 206-7218.

8. I would like to apply for a Social Insurance Number. How do I do this?: You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work at most jobs in Canada. To get one, you must complete an application form, available at a Service Canada Centre or you can download an application by clicking here.

9. How do I apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit: First of all, find out if you are eligible by reading the eligibility requirements here. Download an application by clicking here. The amount of the Canada Child Tax Benefit is calculated according to the information provided on your income tax return. If your family size or marital status changes during the year, the amount can be readjusted.

10. How do I apply for the Universal Child Care Benefit: The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) program issues a taxable $100 monthly payment to families for each child under the age of six to help cover the cost of child care. Eligible families who already receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit will automatically receive the UCCBt. If you do not already receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit and would like to apply for the UCCB, you can download an application here.

 

11. What is the Home Renovation Tax Credit?: The Home Renovation Tax Credit or HRTC is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 income tax return. It applies to work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010 under an agreement entered into after January 27, 2009. To find out what is eligible and more details about the program go to this webpage.

 

12. Am I eligible to take advantage of the EcoEnergy Homes Program?: To find out more about the program and if you are eligible visit this site.

 

13. I am a new Canadian citizen and would like some help!: We highly recommend that you visit Quinte United Immigrant Services who have been assisting new citizens and potential citizens with immigration matters since 1986. They are committed to facilitating the adaptation, settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada and we are sure you will find their services and concern very helpful.