Click on a link to view information about the services offered in the Bilingual Service Centres.
EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS
Employment Insurance
Employment of Children (under 16 years
old)
Job Seekers
Labour Laws
Record of Employment
Starting a Business
IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates
Driver Licensing
Identity Theft
Lost or Stolen Wallet
Manitoba Health Card
Name Change
Passport
Social Insurance Number
PRINTED MATERIALS
Educational Resources
Forms
Maps of Manitoba and Canada
Publications
SENIORS
Pensions
Power of Attorney and Wills
OTHER SERVICES
Bereavement
Boat Licenses
Change of Address
Commissioner for Oaths
Complaints
Flags, Pins and Stickers
Income Tax
Newcomers
Public Access Computers
Rights and Responsibilities of a Tenant or
Landlord
Translation
EMPLOYMENT and BUSINESS
Can I apply for Employment Insurance (EI)?
If you are applying for EI, you can:
- consult a client services representative for information on the types of benefits available (regular, compassionate care, maternity, parental and sickness)
- complete an on-line application for benefits
- submit Records of Employment and other documents
- apply for Direct Deposit
Once you have submitted an application, you can:
- submit your EI reports using the Internet Reporting Service
- access your EI information via My EI Information on-line
- consult a client services representative for claim specific information
- find out how to appeal a decision in relation to your EI claim
- make a payment towards an EI overpayment (We accept payments by cash, cheque and Interac debit cards.)
My 15-year-old would like to work. Is special permission required?
The law protects children under 16 who would like to work. They cannot accept employment which constitutes a threat to their health or education. For this reason, permission must be obtained from the parent/guardian, school principal (for work during the school year) and finally from the Director of the Employment Standards Branch. Please contact us to get a copy of the required form.
Children get the same protection as all other employees covered by Manitoba’s Employment Standards. We can provide information about this as well.
I am a job seeker. What services are available?
Please note that not all services are available in all Centres. You may wish to contact us before visiting in person.
The Red River Region and Mountain Region Bilingual Service Centres have Employment Centres as well as Employment Advisors and Consultants.
All Bilingual Service Centres have public access computers that you can use to create a resume or to do job searches. A list of Web sites is available to help you. As a job seeker, you also have access to a telephone and we can fax and photocopy resumes for you.
Do you have information on labour laws?
Yes, we can give you information regarding minimum wage, general holidays, paid leave, etc. We have publications on Employment Standards and we can direct you to the Employment Standards Branch Web site or to an information line where you can discuss your employment situation with an Employment Standards Officer.
I need Record of Employment (ROE) forms. Do you have blank forms?
You may not pick up ROE forms from the Bilingual Service Centres in the Mountain Region or Urban Region. However, you may pick up ROE forms in person at the Red River Region Bilingual Service Centre. If you plan on picking up your ROE forms in person at the Red River Region Bilingual Service Centre, you will need to provide two pieces of identification, as well as your business number, name, telephone number and address.
These ROE forms are controlled and must be ordered by phone or by completing a ROE order form and sending it in to the nearest Service Canada Centre by fax or by mail. We can give you the telephone number and the order form, as well as the relevant fax number and address. The blank ROE forms will be sent to you by mail.
Employers can also create, submit and print Records of Employment via the Internet (ROE Web). We can help employers register for ROE Web.
I am starting a business. What services are available?
You have access to the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre library. You can make an appointment with a consultant in order to talk about starting a business, financing, etc. We can also help you to file a name reservation, to register a business name and to obtain a business number.
How can I get a birth, marriage or death certificate?
We have Vital Statistics application forms. The same application form is used to apply for birth, marriage and death certificates. You can complete the form and we will forward it to Vital Statistics. They will send you your certificate by mail. You may be charged a fee to obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate.
Which services do you offer in regards to driver licensing?
We offer general information, as well as a variety of publications. We can direct you to the Manitoba Public Insurance Web site where you’ll find helpful guides to prepare you for your driving exams. (These guides are also available at the Urban Region Bilingual Service Centre in St. Boniface.) If you require assistance because you are moving, you have changed your name or you have lost your driver’s license, please contact us.
I am worried about identity theft. Do you have information on this subject?
Yes, we have a variety of publications and we can help you find some excellent Web sites. If you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft, we can explain how to contact Equifax and Trans Union Canada (credit reporting agencies) to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
My wallet has been lost or stolen. Can you help me to replace my documents?
Yes. The first identification document to replace in the event of loss or theft is the birth certificate. We have the Vital Statistics forms. You can complete the form and we will forward it to Vital Statistics. They will send you your certificate by mail. If your wallet has been lost or stolen and a police report has been filed, replacement costs for some identification cards may be waived.
Once you have your birth certificate, you can visit one of our Bilingual Service Centres to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) replacement card. You will receive a confirmation of you SIN and your replacement card will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
It is your responsibility to change all other personal identification and documentation (driver’s license, pensions, passport, Permanent Resident card, credit cards, etc.) and to notify the offices and services with whom you deal. We can help you to compile a list of these offices and services and explain the procedures you’ll need to follow. The Privacy Act does not allow individual offices to exchange your personal information; therefore, you will have to communicate with each office individually.
Can I apply for my Manitoba Health card?
We have Manitoba Health registration forms. You can complete the form and we will forward it to Manitoba Health. They will send you your card by mail.
What do I need to do to request a name change?
We have the necessary forms, however the process can be complicated and
it is often easier to go directly to the Vital Statistics office in order
to request a name change. You may be charged a fee depending on the reason
for name change (marriage, divorce, legal name change, etc.).
It is your responsibility to change all other personal identification
and documentation (Social Insurance Number, driver’s license, pensions,
passport, Permanent Resident card, credit cards, etc.) and to notify the
offices and services with whom you deal. We can help you to compile a
list of these offices and services and explain the procedures you’ll
need to follow.
Can I apply for a passport?
We have passport application forms for adults and children. Both these forms are available in paper format.
The adult passport application form is also available on-line. The on-line passport form is an interactive application that guides you through all sections of the form.
The printed application form must be presented with supporting documents to one of Passport Canada’s service locations or mailed with the supporting documents. You cannot submit your completed forms at a Bilingual Service Centre. Bilingual Service Centre employees are not trained to verify that applications are complete, nor to examine your supporting documents or to collect applicable fees.
Can I apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
Yes, but each time you apply for a Social Insurance Number, you must provide a primary document and a supporting document if the name you are now using is different from the name appearing on your primary document. Documents must be originals. A $10 fee is charged for the replacement of a SIN card. Avoid any surprises and call the Bilingual Service Centre before coming in person.
I am a teacher. Do you have any educational resources?
Yes, several departments prepare material specifically designed for teachers. You will find a good selection of printed materials for teachers at the Urban Region Bilingual Service Centre. Storage space is fairly limited at all three Centres; therefore we have centralized the distribution of this information at the Urban Centre. If you are not in Winnipeg and this material is of interest to you, please request our resource list and place your order. If you would like multiple copies of any one publication, we can explain how to order materials directly from the respective departments.
Do you have all government forms?
We have the most popular application forms such as those for:
- Manitoba Health card
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- Name change
- Disability Tax Credit Certificate
- Business Name Registration
- Business Number
- Passport
- Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
- Canada Child Tax Benefit
- GST / HST New Housing Rebate
- water testing (forms, information sheets and sample bottles to get your well water checked for bacterial contamination)
as well as some of the following forms:
- Residential Tenancies Branch (for example: official request for repairs)
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada (for example: Application for Canadian Citizenship)
- Canada Revenue Agency (for example : Income Tax forms)
Many government forms can be downloaded from the Internet. We will help you to find the form you are looking for.
Do you have maps of Manitoba and Canada?
We usually have maps of Manitoba, but not of Canada. Maps of Canada may be purchased from a book store or at the Manitoba Conservation office. There are also excellent electronic maps which we can help you download.
What kinds of publications do you have?
You will find a wide variety of publications on the following subjects:
- Seniors
- Aboriginal People
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Consumers
- Human Rights and Justice
- Employment and Careers
- Entrepreneurs
- Families and Children
- Youth
- Statutes and Regulations of Canada and Manitoba
- Persons with Disabilities
- Health
- Safety
- Travel
Many government publications can be downloaded off the Internet. Some publications are now only available in electronic format. We will help you to find the publication you are looking for.
Can I apply for my pensions?
We can provide general information, as well as forms and publications, on the following:
- Canada Pension Plan (on-line application also available)
- Old Age Security
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Allowance for the Survivor
- Allowance
- 55 PLUS Program (Manitoba Income Supplement)
If you require assistance filling out the forms because you have trouble reading or understanding the questions, one of our Client Services Representatives can help you.
You can also submit your completed forms at the Bilingual Service Centre. We will verify your identification and review the forms with you. We will then forward the forms to Human Resources and Social Development Canada.
If after submitting your application you have questions about your file, you will need to contact an agent from Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Unfortunately, we do not have access to your file; however, we can assist you in contacting an agent.
Do you have information on wills and power of attorney?
We can help you find publications, Web sites, bilingual attorneys and organizations for lower income individuals. However, we cannot help you draft power of attorney papers or wills.
There has been a death in our family. I know we have to advise several government departments, but where do I start?
Often, funeral service providers will take care of most of these details. If that is not the case, we can help you to:
- Request a death certificate
- Advise different government departments and agencies (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Canada Revenue Agency, Social Insurance Number, etc.)
- Apply for benefits for which you may be entitled (death benefit, children’s benefit, survivor’s pension)
Can I get a Boat Licence?
Yes, by providing the proper documentation and completing the application you can obtain a pleasure craft licence at no cost. The documentation required depends on the origin of the pleasure craft, so please contact us ahead of time to find out what you need. Provided that all of your information is complete, you will be issued a pleasure craft licence on the spot and at no charge.
I have just moved. Who must I notify regarding the change of address?
You will have to notify the departments and agencies responsible for your Canada Child Tax Credit, GST Credit, Employment Insurance, Driver’s Licence, Manitoba Health card, pensions, passport, Permanent Resident card, etc.
We can help you compile a list of departments and services and explain the procedures you’ll need to follow. The Privacy Act does not allow individual offices to exchange your personal information; therefore, you will have to communicate with each office individually.
Do you offer Commissioner for Oaths services?
Yes, but the authority of a Commissioner for Oaths is very limited. A Commissioner for Oaths can only witness a person’s signature on documents such as affidavits, affirmations and statutory declarations. The documents in question must be Manitoba documents, staying in Manitoba. Unless otherwise indicated, you will need to see a notary public to have documents verified and certified.
There is at least one Commissioner for Oaths in each Centre. If you need this service, please contact the Bilingual Service Centre prior to visiting in person. This way you can make sure there is a Commissioner for Oaths in the office. We also suggest that you talk to the Commission for Oaths about the documents to be signed to avoid any confusion on this matter.
I would like to file a complaint. How do I proceed?
Please contact us if you’d like to file a complaint on the following:
- French language services at the federal, provincial or municipal levels
- Employment Standards
- Tenant Rights
- Human Rights
- Consumer Rights
Where can I get Canadian flags, pins and stickers?
You can get these items by calling your local Member of Parliament office. If you need their contact information, please contact us.
Do you offer any income tax services?
Government of Canada:
- General information with the assistance of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Web site: income tax for individuals, GST credit, Canada Child Tax Benefit, business, self-employed individuals, etc.
- Paper format and electronic publications and forms
- Referrals for specific cases
- Guides and forms to complete an income tax return
- Information on electronic services (My Account) which will give you access to your personal income tax and benefit account on-line 7 days a week, 21 hours a day
- My Service Canada Account which allows you to view and print copies of your Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Employment Insurance (EI) tax information slips.
Government of Manitoba:
- General information with the assistance of the Manitoba Tax Assistance Office Web site
- Referrals for specific cases
Municipalities:
- General information and payment of property taxes (Please note that this service is only available at the Urban Region Bilingual Service Centre and at the Mountain Region Bilingual Service Centre.)
I am a newcomer to Manitoba. What services are available for me?
All newcomers to Manitoba:
- General information about the city, the municipality, the Province and Canada
- Transit schedules, Manitoba maps
- Health insurance application
- SIN application
- Contact information for community organizations
- Contact information for organizations offering language courses
- Family Services
Francophone immigrants:
Do you have public access computers?
Yes, we have public access computers in each Bilingual Service Centre. The computers are hooked up to the Internet and have word processing software installed. As long as you respect the computer usage policies of the Centres, you are free to use the computers as you wish (to print materials, to send emails, to look for employment, to create a resume, etc.).
Users will find it useful to have basic knowledge of computer usage.The employees at the Centres can offer basic help with computer usage, software and Internet searches if time permits them to do so.
Do you have information on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords?
Yes, we can give you information. We also offer a wide variety of pertinent forms and publications or we can direct you to the Residential Tenancies Branch Web site or an information specialist.
Do you offer translation services?
We do not offer translation services. There are some excellent on-line resources which we can help you access. If you need to have a document translated, we can provide you with a list of professionals. However, if you are looking for the translation of a few words, we can consult our resources and try to help you.