Tips for Users

Google Maps is an essential tool to plan your routes and explore your surroundings.

With this application, you can:

• Find transit routes, including the bus or train number you need. Google Maps indicates their accessibility, with specific information about the different stops.
• Estimate the duration of your trip and select the most practical transit option for your needs.
• Identify important facilities such as hospitals, schools, or government offices, and access their phone numbers and websites.

When you browse or fill out online forms, make sure you only visit protected websites (those whose address starts with "https://"). Avoid sharing your personal information (identity, credit card number, etc.) on unreliable websites.

Google is an effective tool to search information about services in Canada. 

Optimize your searches by using precise key words and specifying your region or province (for example, "affordable housing Alberta" or "accessible transit Ontario"). 

If you are trying to access specific services, think of adding terms such as "fill out form", "registration" or "contact" so you can get the most relevant results. 

You can also refine your results by using quotation marks to search for an exact sentence. Or include a minus sign (-) to exclude certain words. 

• Get information about facilities' accessibility, such as the presence of accessible entrances or elevators.

In Canada, many government offices and organizations use digital systems to share and process official documents, often as PDF files. 

You will need Adobe Reader to open such documents, fill out application forms or add an electronic signature. You should always have the latest version of this software to guarantee the compatibility and safety of your interactions with departments and services.

If you don't have a personal computer, you can access a public computer. You can save your documents on a memory stick. Or you can use a safe online storage service. We recommend Google Drive or Onedrive, both known for their safety. If you use other online storage services, we recommend not to store your personal documents or information such as your social insurance number (SIN).

Make sure information comes from reliable sources. The following are some examples of reliable sources: 

• The government of Canada official website (canada.ca).
• The list of government departments and agencies (canada.ca/en/government/dept.html).
• The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants' website (ocasi.org).

Any information obtained from non-verified or dubious sources can be inaccurate or misleading. Before you trust a webpage, look at users' reviews and check for the website's reputation.

Some services require documents such as a government-issued ID, or proof of residence or immigration status. We recommend creating a digital copy (a scan) of your documents and always having them near you. Remember not to laminate your official, government-issued ID documents. To make digital copies, you can use your phone or tablet with mobile applications such as Camscanner. It is available for both Android and Apple devices.

In Canada, the following four key services are always available. They respond to different needs, from medical emergencies and health advice to local community and municipal services. They are designed to provide fast, reliable support adapted to a wide range of situations.

211: Community and Social Services

The 211 information and orientation service connects you with community and social programs available in your region. It covers areas such as food, housing, mental health, and specific services for people with disabilities. The service is free, confidential, and available in several languages. To access it, go to the 211 website and select your province, or simply dial 211.

811: Non-Emergency Health Services

The 811 service connects you with health professionals to get non-emergency medical advice. It is available 24/7, providing orientation to relevant health services such as local clinics and helping you avoid unnecessary visits to hospital emergency services. To access it, you can visit the 811 website of specific province or territory such as Ontario or simply dial 811.

911: Emergency Response Services

You should call 911 in any emergency requiring immediate response by the police, firefighters, or emergency medical staff. This service is crucial in situations such as accidents, fires, or grave medical emergencies. To access it, dial 911.

311: Municipal Services

311 is an information source for non-emergency local/municipal services. You can use it to report problems such as potholes, debris on the road, or power outages. You can also get information about garbage collection schedules, permits, and community activities. To access it, you can visit your local 311 city website such as Toronto, or simply dial 311.