JEFF BURCH Niagara Centre MPP

Government of Ontario

Services and Community Resources

My office is here to help! Contact us for assistance with any provincial matter, and see the links below for more information on navigating provincial services and local programs. 

 

To check if you live in Niagara Centre use the Elections Ontario Postal Code Search

A resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that he or she is entitled to health care services paid for by OHIP. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care pays for a wide range of services, however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery.

Eligibility for OHIP

Ontario residents are eligible for provincially funded health coverage (OHIP). Generally, to be eligible for Ontario health coverage you must be:

  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or among one of the newcomer to Canada groups who are eligible for OHIP as set out in Ontario’s Health Insurance Act ; and
  • Physically present in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period; and
  • Physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after establishing residency in the province; and
  • Make your primary place of residence in Ontario.

OHIP coverage normally becomes effective three months after the date you establish residency in Ontario. The ministry strongly encourages new and returning residents to purchase private health insurance in case you become ill during the OHIP waiting period.

 

Health Care Connect helps Ontarians who are without a family health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) to find one. People without a family health care provider are referred to a family doctor or a nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in their community. To find out more information about Health Care Connect, click here.

Arranging care for yourself or a family member will involve a number of steps. This section of the website describes the process for arranging care, and the role you can play in the process. See the Arranging Care page for more details.

Your local Local Health Integration Network can help. LHIN are provincially-funded agencies that provide Long-Term Care information and referral services in your area. The information is provided free of charge. To locate the LHIN nearest you, use our LHIN locator.

To find a suitable long-term care home, this search engine will help you. If you require any assistance with finding a long-term care space, please contact my office.

If you require any assistance with finding a long-term care space, please contact my office.

Niagara Regional Housing

Affordable housing in Niagara is largely funded and administered by Niagara Regional Housing.

Affordable housing application forms can be found at: http://www.nrh.ca/applicants/forms.shtml 

Should you have any questions or require assistance in filling out the affordable housing forms you can contact my constituency office at 905-732-6884 or [email protected] 

Community Support Services of Niagara (CSSN)
Lunch Out Program
CSSN staff organize regular outings for meals and social activities in a group setting.
Transportation is available for those who require it.
Seniors 65 years of age or older, or adults with disabilities are eligible
Please call 905-682-3800 to register

 

Food Banks

Community Care Food Shop

(FREE) Food room offers a variety of nutritious options for our clients including meal kits (pre-shopped bags including recipes and ingredients), hygiene products, diapers and emergency bags of food.

To register and determine eligibility, please call Community Care directly at 905-685-1349.

 

The Hope Centre

Offers a variety of services that help individuals and families in Welland that are facing challenges related to poverty including mental health, addictions, food insecurity and housing instability.

To access services, please call 905-788-0744

570 King St, Welland

 

Community Fridge Niagara

Community Fridge Niagara is a network of grassroots fridges and pantries offering free food for and by neighbours in Niagara.

For general inquiries, please email [email protected]

16 Keefer Rd, St. Catharines

 

Open Arms Missions

Food bank services for the local community.

To register, please call 905-788-3800

or visit in person at: 22 Fifth St, Welland

 

Port Cares

Port Cares is a community organization that provides wrap-around supports and services to improve quality of life for children and adults in our community.

For general inquiries, please contact 905-834-3629.

92 Charlotte St, Port Colborne

Elder abuse is a serious and often overlooked issue that affects older adults. Forms of elder abuse can include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. These abuses can occur within family settings, care facilities, or even in the community, leading to significant physical and psychological consequences for the victims. Recognizing the signs and understanding the dynamics of elder abuse is crucial in safeguarding the well-being and dignity of our aging population.


Common signs of possible abuse:
Unexplained injuries or a history of “accidents,” poor hygiene, bed sores.
Depression, fear, anxiety, withdrawal or weight loss.
Dehydration or lack of food, clothing, medicine, or other necessities of life.
Unnecessary purchases or repairs to house or property.
Unexplained loss or misuse of property items such as banking records or wills.

Below are emergency service lines and safety contacts you can connect with, if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse:


Emergency Services: 911 or text T911

Niagara Regional Police
Non Emergent issues and general reporting of senior abuse or senior supports, please call 905- 688-4111 if you are in the Thorold area and 905-735-7811 if you are in the Welland, Wainfleet and Port Colborne area.


NEAPN (Niagara Elder Abuse Prevention Network)
NEAPN work’s collaboratively with agencies and seniors to prevent elder abuse and create a safe community where older adults are valued and respected within the Niagara Region.

This local network is managed by Alzheimer’s Niagara, but you can also contact Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario for support by calling 416-916-6728


Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region: 905-687-3914


Community Care Access Centre: 905-684-9441


CRIME STOPPERS Niagara: 1-800-222-8477


Niagara Gatekeeper Program: 905-684-0968
Niagara Gatekeepers is a phone line that anyone in the community can call to help connect at-risk older adults with programs and services.


Seniors Community Programs, Niagara Region:
905-984-6900 or 905-684-0968
Seniors Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011
24/7 confidential and free resource that provides information, referrals and support in over 150 languages for seniors experiencing abuse

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

ODSP offers money to help you and your eligible family members with living expenses, including food, rent, health benefits (prescription drugs and vision care) and employment support to help you find and keep a job.
If you are eligible for ODSP, the amount of money you get will depend on your specific situation.

However you may receive up to $1,308 as a single person.

 

Ontario Works

If you need financial assistance for food and housing, and are in financial need, you can apply for financial and employment assistance through Ontario Works, for help with living expenses, food, rent, and health benefits.
If you are eligible for Ontario Works, the amount of money you get will depend on your specific situation. In most cases, you must participate in employment-related activities to receive financial help.


You could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if you are single.

 

Application Process

At the beginning of the application process, you will receive information about the Ontario Disability Support Program/Ontario Works. You will also be told which information and documents may be needed to complete the application process. You will need:

  • Health Card Number
  • Proof of Identity and Date of Birth
  • Employment History/Information
  • Income and Asset Statements
  • Shelter Costs
  • Status in Canada and Dependent Information

The application process is completed in person at your local ODSP/Ontario Works office. You will be required to complete and sign all necessary forms, including the application for assistance, and a participation agreement outlining the specific employment activities you may participate in. You will also need to provide any required information and documents.

If you are having difficulty understanding how to fill out the forms or have a question about your support payments, my office is there to help. 

Soldier’s Aid Commission

Provides financial assistance of up to $2000 annually to Ontario’s eligible Veterans and their families in financial need. The Commission supplements support offered by the Royal Canadian Legion and Veterans Affairs Canada.

For more information about applying, call 416-327-4674 or email [email protected].

 

Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Command

Offers assistance to Veterans, Still Serving Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and/or their dependents to raise awareness of and potentially obtain government support from Veterans Affairs Canada. Inquire about available programs and services at any Legion branch or visit www.on.legion.ca.

 

Available benefits include:
Disability benefits
War Veterans Allowance
Review/Appeal/Reassessment


Financial assistance To contact the Ontario Command for more information about available programs, services, benefits, call toll-free 1-888-207-0939 or email [email protected]

 

Local Legions

Branch 17, Thorold Contact: 905 227-1231

Branch 4, Welland Contact: 905 734-3611

Branch 56, Port Colborne Contact: 905 834-9512

 

Veterans Transit Passes
When using Niagara Regional Transit (NRT), active duty military and Veterans presenting a Canada Armed Forces Veteran’s Service Card when boarding can ride for free.

Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC)

140 Welland Avenue 15B, St. Catharines

The NRNC is open to the public and aims to promote the social and cultural interests of the Aboriginal community and build relationships of mutual understanding between Aboriginal and other members of the Niagara community. The Centre offers a variety of programming for all age groups, including transportation to and from the NRNC, and the Life Long Care Program which provides special support for Aboriginal seniors. For information about the Life Long Care Program, call 905-688-6484.

For general information about the NRNC, call 905-685-8547 or visit www.nrnc.ca.Oonuhseh 

 

Niagara Native Homes

2 Clark Street, St. Catharines

A non-profit organization that provides affordable, income-sensitive rental housing for people of Indigenous ancestry in the Niagara Region. Assists in providing culturally based supports that are critical for the lasting success of the residents.

For more information or to apply for housing, call 905-641-0094 or visit www.onnh.ca.

 

De dwa da dehs nye>s – Aboriginal Health Centre (DAHC)

145 Queenston Street, St. Catharines

Drawing from both indigenous medicine and western practices, DAHC provides primary care and health promotion programs, including exercise classes. Their Aboriginal Patient Navigator program can help individuals, care-givers and their families better understand their plan of care and treatment options, overcome barriers while in the hospital and in the community, improve communication with service providers, and gain a greater sense of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual support.

For more information, call 289-438-1540 or visit www.aboriginalhealthcentre.com/niagara.

 

Métis Nation of Ontario Community Support Service

3250 Schmon Pkwy #1A, Thorold

A Métis specific service offering friendly visiting, security checks/reassurance calls, transportation to medical appointments, information and referral and advocacy for caregivers. Services are offered by volunteers and staff.

 

For more information, call 905-682-3487 ext 303 or visit www.metisnation.org.

 

Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre

796 Buffalo Rd, Fort Erie

“To Enhance all Aspects of Native Life While Extending Friendship to the Community.” The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre promotes cultural, recreational, social and educational activities.

For more information, call 905-871-8931 or visit www.fenfc.org

The Workplace Safety & Insurance Act governs the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB).

This Act requires that any person acting as a representative for an injured worker be either: a lawyer, a paralegal, a representative of a trade union, or a member of the Office of the Worker Advisor. Although my office is exempt from this provision, my staff are not properly trained to represent workers. This means that we cannot represent you.

However, we are able to assist you with finding the representation you deserve. Although we are unable to represent you at hearings, we are still able to review your claim file and make recommendations.

If you require assistance with any WSIB matter, please ensure you have a copy of your entire claim file. This will ensure we are able to view all the documents pertaining to your matter.

Visit the WSIB Ontario website for more information.

Births are recorded by the province through the Office of the Registrar General, a department of the Ministry of Government Services. For applications and further information, please click on the links below.
If you need assistance, or require expedited service, contact my community office for help.*If the birth happened outside Ontario and within Canada, please contact the Vital Statistics Office in the province or territory where the birth took place.How much does a birth certificate cost?
  • First birth certificate (short form —2.5″ x 3.75″) $25
  • Replacement birth certificate (short form) $35
  • First certified copy of birth (long form — 8.5″ x 14″) $35
  • Replacement certified copy of birth (long form) $45

This information can be found on the Ontario Government website.
Once a death occurs the physician or coroner attending the death completes the Medical Certificate of Death and gives it to the Funeral Director to go with the body.To register a death, a family member and the funeral director complete the Statement of Death with information about the deceased.Once completed, the Medical Certificate of Death and the Statement of Death are submitted to the local municipal clerk’s office by the Funeral Director.
The funeral director will issue copies of a proof of death that you can use in certain situations. There are some organizations, however, that may require an official death certificate from the Province of Ontario, Office of the Registrar General.You may need an official death certificate or certified copy for:
  • Settling an estate
  • Insurance purposes
  • Access to/termination of government services, e.g., health card, pension, voters’ list
  • Genealogy searches
Once the death is registered, the next of kin, executor or estate administrator may apply for a death certificate. Death certificate applications can be made online, by mail, fax, or in person. The different methods of application have different service delivery times and sometimes different fees.

Your first point of contact for help with applying for OSAP is the Financial Aid Office of the school you are applying to. Out-of-province students can get help by calling 1-877-OSAP411 (1-877-672-7411) during business hours.

 

Brock University Financial Aid Office 

Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Office of the Registrar
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way
St. Catharines, ON  L2S 3A1

905-688-5550 extension: 3052

[email protected]

 

Niagara College Financial Aid Office

905-735-2211 or 905-641-2252 ext. 7618

[email protected]

 

Find out more about how OSAP can help you pay for your education.

If you or someone you know will soon be celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, or commemorating a special event, you can request special greetings by sending an e-mail to our office.

NOTE: The recipient or requestor must live in the riding, and scroll requests will only be processed if the recipient is a resident of Ontario.

Here is the criteria:

Your Member of Provincial Parliament will send a congratulatory letter on:

  • Any birthday or wedding anniversary;
  • Any celebratory occasion
  • Business Opening

A petition is a request that the Legislative Assembly of Ontario take some specific action (or refrain from taking some action) to redress a public grievance.

The action requested must be within the scope of jurisdiction of the Legislative Assembly, and the request must be clear, temperate, proper and respectful.

The request must appear at the top of every page of signatures submitted with the petition.

Click here for more information on preparing a petition.

Click here to download a petition template.

Signatures

Petitioners must be residents of the Province of Ontario; it is acceptable for petitioners to be under the age of majority.

A petition must contain original signatures only, written directly on the face of the petition.

Each person petitioning the Legislative Assembly must print his or her name and address and sign his or her name under the text of the petition.

Form and Content

A petition must be addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Petitions addressed to the Government of Ontario, or to a particular minister will not be accepted.

Petitions must be written, typewritten or printed. Email, faxed or photocopied petitions are not admissible and will not be presented.

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