Debt Resources for Seniors in BC

This toll-free 1-800 telephone line offers seniors a single source of information about government services, including information about health services.  Telephone agents can answer individual questions about seniors’ services provided by federal and provincial ministries and agencies.

The information line is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages. To contact the B.C. Health and Seniors Information Line, call the numbers listed below:
The toll-free number: 1-800-465-4911
In Greater Victoria the number is: 250-952-1742

Older workers who are interested in re-entering the workforce can be a key element in addressing the skills and labour shortage B.C. is facing. Recognizing that, the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program has awarded $7.5 million of federal and provincial funding to 12 organizations across B.C. to deliver community-based programs. In total, it is estimated that these projects will help 900 unemployed older workers, mostly from the forestry industry.

TIOW is designed to assist B.C.’s older workers retrain for new careers and prepare to re-enter the workplace. By funding these programs through local service providers, workers all across the province will be able to upgrade their skills, benefit from job counselling and gain work experience. The programs and projects are especially geared to assist unemployed older workers in communities experiencing economic transition, such as those affected by mountain pine beetle.

Community-based organizations offering these programs can be found in Abbotsford, Campbell River, the Cariboo Region, Columbia Valley, Cranbrook, Hazelton, Kamloops, Kitimat, Lake Cowichan, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, Nass Valley, North Qualicum, Port Alberni, Powell River, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Sechelt, Sooke, Terrace, the Central Kootenay regional district and Vancouver Island.

For more information about TIOW contact Leslie Page at:
E-mail: LabourMarket.Dev.Branch@gov.bc.ca

Government services are available in person, online and over the telephone.
1. Enquiry B.C.:
Enquiry B.C. provides the following services to all British Columbia residents on behalf of provincial government ministries, Crown corporations and public agencies:
Basic provincial government information;
Assistance in identifying the program or person that the caller needs to speak to;
Government program or government employee phone and facsimile numbers or addresses;
Assistance in identifying the level of government responsible for a program or service; and
A toll free transfer for callers who would otherwise incur a cost for obtaining information from or conducting business with the provincial government.

Hours of operation for Service B.C. are from 7:30AM to 5:00PM PST, Monday through Friday.
The toll-free Service B.C. number: 1-800-663-7867
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-660-2421
In Greater Victoria the number is: 250-387-6121
E-mail: EnquiryBC@gov.bc.ca
Deaf/Hearing-impaired toll-free number: 1-800-661-8773
Deaf/Hearing-impaired in Greater Vancouver: 604-775-0303
2. Service B.C. Centres (Government Agents):
Service B.C. Centres or Government Agents Offices assist seniors in getting access to provincial government programs and services. These offices are a point of contact for services and programs for people living outside the Lower Mainland and Victoria. Staff members have knowledge of local programs and will refer seniors to other sources of information and assistance.

Visit your local Service B.C. Centre for information and services, including permits, fishing licences and Medical Services Plan information and payments. To be transferred by phone free of charge to the office you wish to call, call Service B.C.
The Website is: www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca

The B.C. Seniors Website provides information on services and programs for seniors offered by the British Columbia and federal governments.

This site provides seniors, their families, caregivers and supporting service organizations reliable, consistent and up-to-date information and is regularly revised.

Other features to be found on this website include links to key federal government websites, a “How to Contact” page, a publications page and links to legislation affecting seniors.
The Website is: www.gov.bc.ca/seniors

Congratulatory messages may be requested for a significant birthday or wedding anniversary and can be requested from a range of officials: your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the Lieutenant Governor, your Member of Parliament (MP), the Prime Minister, the Governor General or the Queen.

To request a congratulatory message, a request form is available on-line or by mail. Nine weeks advance notice is preferred, to ensure the information can be shared and processed by the various officials involved and your message will be delivered on time.

For more information the provincial government’s Office of Protocol website includes information on what kind of events are eligible for greetings and from what official.
In Victoria the number is: 250-387-1616
The Website is: www.protocol.gov.bc.ca
The toll-free Service B.C. number: 1-800-663-7867

Over 80 countries are represented by Consular Officers resident in British Columbia. Based mainly in Vancouver, Consular Officers generally perform the following functions:
Assist and protect nationals of the country they represent;
Administer oaths, legalize foreign documents and issue passports, travel visas and certificates;
Represent their country and promote their country’s trade within the Consular District; and
Explain their country’s policies and achievements in fields such as culture and tourist attractions.

The provincial government’s Office of Protocol website includes a listing, with contact information, for all countries represented in British Columbia.
The Website is: www.protocol.gov.bc.ca

All other countries can be contacted through their embassies and high commissions based in Ottawa. Contact information is available on the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade website.
The Website is: www.international.gc.ca