'We are implementing new, digital solutions and meeting Canadians where they are in their communities'
The federal government is making it easier for those applying to have a nine-digit Social Insurance Number (SIN) in the country.
Thanks to an online application system, people can apply for their SIN from the comfort of their homes.
Through this process, they will be able to get their SIN within five working days, down from the previous standard of 10 business days.
Ottawa is also looking to help with this increased demand at certain Service Canada Centres that welcome large numbers of post-secondary students at the start of the fall and winter semesters. To address this, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Service Canada is working with community organizations and other partners that welcome new Canadians to offer “strategically placed, easy-to-access clinics providing in-person support to those who need help with their SIN applications,” according to the federal government.
In fiscal year 2023–2024, of the 2,897,218 SIN transactions (e.g. updates to an existing SIN record or a request for a new SIN), newcomers such as international students, temporary or permanent residents accounted for 74.2% of the total number of clients.
Applicants can also apply by mail or in person at one of more than 300 Service Canada Centres across the country.
Also, looking ahead, Ottawa will be implementing SIN at Entry, an initiative that aims to bundle SIN requests with work permit applications.
It is estimated that this one measure could reduce in-person visits to Service Canada Centres by as much as 50% in the busiest offices, according to the federal government.
“The government of Canada must keep up with the needs and expectations of Canadians when they seek access to government services. By listening to Canadians, Service Canada Officers and newcomers, we are implementing new, digital solutions and meeting Canadians where they are in their communities, identifying where they can be best served,” said Terry Beech, minister of citizen services.
“Accessing services should not be a mystery novel, but rather a seamless customer service experience that respects Canadians and their valuable time. That is what we are making a reality with initiatives like eSIN.”
Previously, Canadian labour groups came together to demand changes in Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI), claiming that things as they are show signs of systemic discrimination against women.
Take-home income decreased across Canada due to Canada Pension Plan and federal EI changes.
