This Program helps people who have high drug costs in relation to their income. Once an application is approved, the program covers:

· over 3,100 quality-assured prescription drug products;
· over 300 limited-use drug products;
· some nutritional and diabetic testing products.

Who is Eligible
You can apply to the Trillium Drug Program if:

· your private insurance does not cover 100% of your prescription drug costs;
· you have valid Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP), and
· you are not eligible for drug coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program.

Deductible
The program has a deductible that is based on income and family size. Each year starting August 1, you must pay your drug costs up to your deductible level before you are eligible for drug coverage. The program runs from August 1 of one year to July 31 of the following year.

Drug Costs
Only certain drug costs count towards your Trillium deductible or as program benefits. Check with your pharmacist or health care provider to make sure your prescriptions are:

· listed in the ODB Formulary/Comparative Drug Index (Parts III and IX);
· on the Facilitated Access List of HIV/AIDS drugs (Part VI).
Requests for non-ODB drugs must be pre-approved by the ministry before the costs can count towards the Trillium deductible, or as program benefits.

Where
Trillium application kits are available at your local pharmacy or by calling the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at 1-800-268-1154, in Toronto 314-5518, TTY 1-800-387-5559.

WSIB, formerly known as the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB), assists return to work and provides insurance for injuries and illnesses incurred in workplaces covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

Our office can make inquiries into the status of your claim. We also provide advice on the right direction as to handling an appeal and what is needed for your appeal. We do not, however, handle appeals. If you are unionized, your union must assist you with your WSIB claim.

If you are not unionized and have no representation, the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) provides free services and helps you with your claim. You can call your local OWA at (416) 235-5550 and arrange to speak to someone who specializes in giving advice over the phone.

If you need more help than can be provided over the phone, you can go in to the office for a meeting to discuss your problem. The OWA also represents workers on appeals at the WSIB and up to the final level of appeal at the Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal.

There is a WSIB Website. It is located at: www.gov.on.ca/lab/owa/contact.htm

If you or someone you know will be celebrating a special anniversary, birthday or other special milestone or celebration, my office will be pleased to arrange for greetings from the Province of Ontario and from myself. You can request this greeting by using the form set out below.

Please be aware that if the recipients of the greetings are not residents of the riding of Mississauga-Brampton South, your request will be forwarded to the local MPP’s office for processing.

The ODSP has two components: it is an income support program for people with disabilities who are in financial need, and an employment support program that recognises many people with disabilities can and do want to work.

In order to be eligible for ODSP benefits, the applicant must be 18 years of age or older, be in financial need, and have assets no greater than limits set for the program. Before an applicant's disability is assessed, it must be determined that he/she meets the financial requirements.

You may be considered a person with a disability if:

You have a substantial physical or mental condition that is continuous or recurrent and is expected to last one year or more;

Your condition restricts your ability to care for yourself or function in the community or workplace; and

An expert (for example, a doctor or psychiatrist) has verified your condition.

For more information on the ODSP, please click on http://www.gov.on.ca/CSS/page/services/odsp.html

The ODSPis not to be confused with the Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits (CPPD) offered by the federal Government of Canada. Information on the CPPD is available through www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/isp

Our office can contact ODSP to enquire about the status of your claim or any issues you may have regarding your ODSP situation. If you wish our assistance in this regard, please call my office at 905-696-0367.

A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario

The Seniors’ Secretariat is committed to improving seniors’ quality of life, and educating seniors, their families, caregivers, and colleagues about program and services for seniors.

The Secretariat has developed A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario to bring together in one document the wealth of programs and services provided to Ontario seniors by the government, as well as by community organizations and service providers.

This Guide has been developed in consultation with both provincial and federal government ministries, major seniors' organizations and service providers and members of the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat Seniors Liaison Committee. The Ontario Seniors' Secretariat wishes to acknowledge the many hours spent by staff, ministry officials and seniors themselves in helping to review and edit the Guide to ensure the Guide's relevance and accuracy.

You can download a PDF version of the guide here, or view the guide online by clicking on the content titles below:

The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat

Introduction

How to use this Guide

How to Access this Guide online

How to Improve this Guide

Chapter 1: Accessing Government

Chapter 2: Health

Chapter 3: Community-Based Health Services

Chapter 4: Housing

Chapter 5: Care Facilities

Chapter 6: Finances

Chapter 7: Transportation

Chapter 8: Veterans’ Services

Chapter 9: Disability Supports

Chapter 10: Services for Newcomer Seniors

Chapter 11: Legal Matters, Human Rights and End of Life Issues

Chapter 12: Consumer Information and Protection

Chapter 13: Emergency Services, Crisis Intervention and Public Safety

Chapter 14: Employment, Lifelong Learning and Volunteering

Chapter 15: Active Living, Leisure and Travel

Chapter 16: Recognizing Seniors’ Contributions

Chapter 17: Caregiving

Appendix 1: Tips For Using The Telephone, Internet Sources and E-mail

Appendix 2: Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix 3: Seniors Directory to Programs and Services

Staying in Your Home

The Home Adaptation for Seniors’ Independence Program helps homeowners and landlords pay for minor home adaptations (e.g. handrails, grab bars) that will allow low-income seniors to stay longer in their own homes.

The Emergency Repair Program helps low-income homeowners or occupants in rural and remote areas for emergency repairs to keep their homes safe.

The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program helps low income homeowners, or landlords of units occupied by low-income households, pay for repairs to bring their properties up to minimum health and safety standards and/or to modify their homes to make them accessible to disabled persons.

For more information on a specific program and/or eligibility requirements, call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca

Ontario Student Assistance Program

In 2005, the Ontario government unveiled the Reaching Higher plan, a $6.2 billion multi-year investment to enhance the accessibility, quality and accountability of postsecondary education. Through the plan, the government is doubling its investment in student aid and making a series of enhancements to student aid so that more students qualify for grants.

One of these enhancements is this new Access Window. It provides the approximate costs of your postsecondary education, financial assistance available to help you pay for it, a repayment calculator for estimating monthly loan payments after graduation, and other information to make decisions about postsecondary education.

Here are the partners that are involved in the OSAP program and what they do.

The Government of Ontario:
Provides loan and non-repayable funding.
Administers federal and provincial loan funds, as well as grants, bursaries and scholarships.

The Government of Canada/Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation:
Provides loan and non-repayable funding.

Your Institution’s Financial Aid Office
Delivers OSAP. First point of contact about OSAP when applying and while you are in school.

The National Student Loans Service Centre
Manages loans, loan repayment on new loans and repayment assistance programs, e.g. interest relief. First point of contact for your OSAP issues while in repayment.

My office is not permitted to act as legal counsel on your behalf or to refer you to a specific lawyer. However, we can assist you with your Legal Aid application.

 Ontario Human Rights Commission
If you have been a victim of discrimination, the ORHC will investigate your claim. Please call our office for an application or contact the ORHC directly at (416) 326- 9511.

 Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
This program is available to those who have been a victim of criminal violence. We can help you file a claim and follow up on it. Please call (416) 592-0200 for additional information.

 Powers of Attorney Kits
The booklet contains instructions and forms for Continuing Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for personal care. My office can provide you with these forms and additional information on these kits.

 Insurance Ombudsman
If you have a compliant about the business practices of an insurance company, the Insurance Ombudsman will investigate. Please contact:
Office of the Ombudsman Financial Services Commission
5160 Yonge Street 4th FL Box 85
North York, Ontario, M2N 6L9
(416) 250-6750

 Additional Information and Contact Numbers

Local Legal Aid Office

205 County Court Blvd. Suite 200

Brampton, Ontario, L6W 4R6

Phone: (905) 453-1723
Toll-Free: 1-800-531-2227

Local Community Legal Clinic:

North Peel & Dufferin Community Legal Services

24 Queen Street East, Suite #601

Brampton, Ontario, L6V 1A3

Phone: (905) 455-0160

Where Can I get a New Health Card?

You will need a new health card if yours has been lost or damaged, or has an expiry date on it, or if you have received notification from the Ontario Ministry of Health that it must be replaced.

If it is a green photo card, telephone 416-314-5518; give the requested information and a replacement card will be mailed to you.

If you have lost the red and white card, you will be required to register for a photo card. Telephone (416) 314-5518 for more information

You will need to take three original documents with you, one from each of the following categories:

· Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Immigration Status: examples include a Canadian birth certificate or passport. Baptismal certificates will not be accepted.

· Proof of Residence in Ontario: something with your name and current home address. Examples would include a driver's license, bank account statement, utility bill, insurance policy, Old Age Security or Canada Pension Plan statement, etc...

· Proof of Identity: an original document which shows your name and signature, for instance, your social insurance card, an employee ID, credit card or bank card, passport, library card, Old Age Security Card, Ministry of Natural Resources Outdoors card, etc.

Download an application form click here, fill out application, and take it into a your local office.

Ministry of Health

201 City Centre Drive (Square One Shopping Mall)

Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 2T4

Phone: 905-896-6000

Call the ministry INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 (Toll-free in Ontario only). In Toronto, call 416-314-5518.

Family Responsibility Office (FRO)

FRO is a branch of the Office of the Attorney General of Ontario that enforces child and spousal support court orders. The FRO can only enforce these court orders and cannot change the court order in anyway. The only way that these court orders can be changed is by a judge. If you wish to contact the FRO, they can be reached at 416 326-1818 or toll-free 1 800-267-7263.

Drivers

• Address Change
• Driver Handbooks
• Crediting Out-of-Country Driving Experience
• Licence Classes and Fees
• Licensing Changes - Motor Scooters/Mopeds
• New Drivers
• Replacing a Licence
• Senior Drivers in Ontario

McGuinty Government Introduces New Secure Driver's Licence

December 7, 2007

Visit MTO for Current Releases

The province's new, more secure driver's licence card will help Ontarians avoid identity theft, Transportation Minister Jim Bradley announced today.

"Today, we are making the Ontario driver's licence more secure to protect against fraud, misuse and identify theft," said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.

Ontarians will receive the new card when they renew their driver's licence, beginning in December. The new card incorporates leading edge security features such as laser engraved photo/signature/personal information, a fine line background, 2D barcode, micro and rainbow printing, secondary photo and signature images and ultraviolet features among others.

These changes bring Ontario in line with new standards for North American driver's licences developed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

"The card also uses a secure platform that can be enhanced in the future to include citizenship information," said Bradley. "The province is working towards enabling Ontarians to use their driver's licence as a border-crossing document."

"This new card demonstrates the McGuinty government's commitment to security and safety," said Government and Consumer Services Minister Ted McMeekin. "Making our driver's licence among the most secure in North America showcases Ontario's ability to be a leader in consumer protection."

The Residential Tenancies Act (the RTA) came into effect on January 31, 2007.   The RTA sets the rules for most residential rental housing in Ontario.  The previous legislation, known as the Tenant Protection Act, (TPA) is no longer in effect.

The Landlord and Tenant Board’s role is to provide information about the RTA and to resolve disputes between most residential landlords and tenants. The Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal is now known as the Landlord and Tenant Board

How can I talk to someone about the Act?

You can call the Landlord and Tenant Board at 1-888-332-3234 from outside Toronto or 416-645-8080 from within the GTA calling area.  Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.  Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are available to provide information from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays).   You can also visit any Landlord and Tenant Board office in Ontario to talk to a CSR in person.

Where can I get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act (the Act)?

Links to the Act and Regulations are provided in The Law section of our site. 

You can view or print all or parts of the Act from Publications Ontario’s legislation on-line link.  You can also order a copy of the Act for a fee from Publications Ontario How to Order link.

Lost Identification

Have you lost your wallet? There are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• contact your local police to let them know it is missing.
• contact your financial institutions and credit card companies so they can cancel your cards.
• contact government offices to report your lost government identification and cards.
• visit the "Certificates, Licences and Other Cards" section of the Service Ontario website

The Government of Ontario is working to help you keep your identity safe. Here's what you need to know about identity theft.

Popular Inquires

Social Insurance Number Application Form
Canadian Passport Application Form
Canadian Citizenship Certificate Application Form
Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) Application Form
Identity Theft Statement Form
Bring Your ID Card Application Form (PDF - 162K) 
Firearms Documents Replacement Request Form

Employment Standards

Employment standards are enforced under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) which sets out the minimum standards that employers and employees must follow.

For a brief introduction to the Employment Standards Act, 2000, see "Your Rights at Work: Employment Standards Act", at the Ministry of labour website, a handy brochure explaining its general parts and provisions. For a detailed description of your rights and responsibilities under the ESA please see "Your Guide to the Employment Standards Act". This guide is a convenient source of information about key sections of the ESA and is filled with helpful examples.

The poster, "What You Should Know About the Ontario Employment Standards Act", outlines employees’ rights and employers’ responsibilities at work and must be posted in most workplaces. Version 3.0 has been published to replace the poster currently posted in workplaces (Version 2.0).

For ease of use and convenience, there are e-forms for employers to apply on-line for Hours of Work and Averaging Overtime and for employees to file an employment standards claim on-line. Employees can also use the Self Help Kit to help them resolve issues with their employer on their own.

The Fact Sheets are also convenient sources of information about key sections of the legislation. These publications are provided for your information and convenience only.

Employment Standards publications are available online. They are not legal documents. For the exact wording, please refer to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and its regulations.

Popular Topics

Filing a claim
Pregnancy & Parental Leave
Family Medical Leave
Emergency Leave
Hours of Work
Termination of Employment & Severance Pay
Minimum Wage
Posting & Training Requirements

The Ontario Child Care Supplement (OCCS) for Working Families

The Ontario Child Care Supplement (OCCS) for Working Families is a tax-free monthly payment to help with the costs of raising children under the age of seven. The program benefits low-to-middle income single or two-parent families, families with one stay-at-home parent, or families with one or both parents studying or in training. A family does not have to have a child in daycare to apply for the supplement

The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat

Introduction

How to use this Guide

How to Access this Guide online

How to Improve this Guide

Chapter 1: Accessing Government

Chapter 2: Health

Chapter 3: Community-Based Health Services

Chapter 4: Housing

Chapter 5: Care Facilities

Chapter 6: Finances

Chapter 7: Transportation

Chapter 8: Veterans’ Services

Chapter 9: Disability Supports

Chapter 10: Services for Newcomer Seniors

Chapter 11: Legal Matters, Human Rights and End of Life Issues

Chapter 12: Consumer Information and Protection

Chapter 13: Emergency Services, Crisis Intervention and Public Safety

Chapter 14: Employment, Lifelong Learning and Volunteering

Chapter 15: Active Living, Leisure and Travel

Chapter 16: Recognizing Seniors’ Contributions

Chapter 17: Caregiving

Appendix 1: Tips For Using The Telephone, Internet Sources and E-mail

Appendix 2: Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix 3: Seniors Directory to Programs and Services

Additional Resources You May Find Helpful...

The Children's Information Portal

The Children's Informaton Portal brings together information about all the children and youth programs and services provided by the Government of Ontario.

Whether you’re a young person, a parent, a caregiver, a professional, or a researcher, this site is for you. We’ve organized the content to give you a choice in how you access information. You can look by age group, activity, special need, or by going right to the search function.

Parenting, Child Care & Adoption

Education, Learning & Training

Health & Safety

Travel & Recreation

Financial Services & Benefits

Laws, Rights & Responsibilities

Youth Issues & Opportunities

Dealing With Separation and Divorce

The following information and Web sites will help you understand the legal issues and processes of separation and divorce in Ontario. Before making critical decisions, you should understand your rights and obligations and the services that are available to help you. Using these links, you will be able to find information about issues that may be important to you, including the care and support of your children, support for you or your spouse/partner and the division of your property. You will also find information about how to find a lawyer and resolve legal issues.

This resource is not intended to offer legal advice. For legal advice consult a lawyer.

Quick Links:

• What You Should Know about Family Law in Ontario - a booklet about family law
• Where Do I Stand? - A Child's Legal Guide to Separation and Divorce
• Divorce Law: Questions and Answers - a booklet offering basic information about the current divorce process in Canada
• Ontario's Child Support Guidelines
• Federal Child Support Guidelines
• Obtaining a marriage certificate for a divorce
• Obtaining a copy of my divorce order
• Changing your Name after Divorce
• Getting Remarried in Ontario after a Divorce

Help with unpaid Support

Ontario is working hard to get parents the financial support they need to maintain their families and fully participate in community life.
 
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) of the Ministry of Community and Social Services is responsible for enforcing:

• court orders for child and spousal support;
• domestic contracts that are filed with the courts; and
• court orders made in reciprocating jurisdictions that have been registered in Ontario.

The FRO is changing the way we work to improve services and supports to families in Ontario. Improvements will increase efficiency, enforcement and compliance.  Some of these changes include:

• implementation of a new Integrated Service Delivery Model (ISDM Technology) that will provide a proactive case management approach along with supporting technology to improve client service and enforcement;
• legislation to amend the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, 1996
• operational efficiencies to improve client service;
• providing clients with better access to their own case information through the automated telephone enquiry system; and
• improving client outreach and distribution of information.

For more information about legislative amendments, please see About the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Amendment Act, 2005.

Family Responsibility Office
P. O. Box 220
Downsview, Ontario M3M 3A3
(8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mon. to Fri.)
Tel.: 1-800-267-7263 (automated service)
(416) 326-1818
(8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mon. to Thur. and
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fri.)
Tel.: 1-800-267-4330 (live agent)
(416) 326-1817
Fax: (416) 240-2401

Citizenship and Immigration

1. Where can I find information about immigration?
2. How can I become a Canadian citizen?
3. How do I get or replace a Canadian citizenship card?
4. Where can I find information about the citizenship test?

Where can I find information about immigration?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides detailed information about immigrating to Canada. The application forms and guidelines are available on their website.

How can I become a Canadian citizen?

To become a Canadian citizen you must:

• be 18 years of age or older;
• be a permanent resident of Canada;
• have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years before applying;
• be able to communicate in either English or French;
• know about Canada;
• know about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship;

Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for detailed information.

How do I get or replace a Canadian citizenship card?

The federal department of Citizenship and Immigration provides information on how to obtain or replace a Canadian citizenship card.

Where can I find information about the citizenship test?

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada website provides detailed information about the citizenship test.

The questions in the citizenship test are based on information provided in the booklet entitled A Look at Canada. Download this booklet here (look.pdf).

You should also be ready to answer more specific questions about your region’s economy, geography and history. Use the questions below to prepare for your test.

Section II. Questions about your region

1.     What is the capital city of the province or territory in which you live?

2.     List three natural resources important to your region’s economy today.

3.     Who is your city councillor, alderperson, reeve or regional councillor?

4.     What is the name of your mayor?

5.     What is the name of your provincial representative (member of the Legislative Assembly, member of the provincial Parliament, member of the National Assembly or member of the House of Assembly)?

6.     What is the name of the premier of your province or territory?

7.     Which political party is in power in your province or territory

8.     What is the name of the leader of the opposition in your province?

9.     What is the name of your lieutenant governor or commissioner?

If you are unable to complete the online forms at this time you may also:

• Obtain a Birth Certificate application form (PDF - 148K)
• Obtain a Marriage Certificate Application Form (PDF - 33K)
• Obtain a Death Certificate application form (PDF - 28K)

Mail or Fax

Mail or fax the completed form to the Office of the Registrar General

Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6L8
Toll-free: 1-800-461-2156 or
Toronto: 416-325-8305
Fax: (807) 343-7459
E-mail: InfoMGS@ontario.ca

Submit In Person

Public Counters:

Toronto Office:
ServiceOntario
College Park, 777 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
M5G 2C8

Business Hours are:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ottawa Government Service Centre
ServiceOntario
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 1J1

Business Hours are:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.