About Government
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, which means that we recognize the King or Queen as the Head of State and the Prime Minister is the Head of Government.
There are three main levels of government:
- Federal
- Provincial
- Municipal (City of Richmond Hill)
*Richmond Hill is also part of York Region, which provides services to the entire region of York.
Federal Services
The Government of Canada offers individuals and businesses a number of different services. These federal services are for citizens and people outside of the country who are planning to make Canada their new home. Federal services are managed by Service Canada. You can connect with Service Canada online, by phone or in person.
Some of the most frequently used services include:
Canadian postal services run by Canada Post include both physical and electronic delivery solutions for Canadians. A Board of Directors acts on behalf of Canada Post's shareholder, the Government of Canada, to provide guidance and supervision on issues related to Canada Post.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) manages tax laws for the Government of Canada. The CRA also manages tax laws for most provinces and territories in Canada. There a number of tax-related benefit and incentive programs also handled by the CRA. The CRA can help Canadian citizens with concerns about their income taxes, individual and business tax returns and other tax-related questions.
The Government of Canada's immigration and citizenship services help people:
- Apply to visit Canada
- Apply to work in Canada
- Apply to immigrate to Canada
- Apply for citizenship
- Apply for a permanent resident card
- Apply for refugee protection
- Check to status of an application
Passport services are also managed by the Government of Canada. You must be a Canadian citizen to apply for a Canadian passport. You can also use passport services to renew your passport or apply for a passport for your child.
The Government of Canada has a number of federal services available for seniors. There are online services and forms related to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension and the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension.
Other services for seniors include:
- Income assistance
- Legal assistance
- Assisted living
- Education and training
- Employment
- Saving plans
Provincial Services
The Government of Ontario offers provincial services for residents, businesses and not-for-profit groups and charities. ServiceOntario manages most of these services online or at one of their many locations across the province.
Some of the most frequently used services include:
Current Members of Provincial Parliament
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario lists current Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). You can access the names and ridings of these members, as well as their parliamentary roles, which political party they belong to and contact information.
Ontario's Ministry of Transportation manages services for driving and roads. These services include updates of road conditions, applications to apply for or renew your driver's licence and vehicle registrations.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care manages health and wellness services in Ontario. These services include programs to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent health issues and help people with addictions or mental illness.
Health and wellness services include:
- Ontario health cards
- Telehealth Ontario (free and confidential health advice)
- ConnexOntario (support for people with addictions or mental illness)
- EatRight Ontario (education about proper nutrition and healthy eating)
- Tax credits and benefits
There are a number of Municipal Services Offices across Ontario. These offices are managed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Regional offices for municipal services include:
- Eastern Municipal Services Office (Kingston, ON)
- Central Municipal Services Office (Toronto, ON)
- Northeastern Municipal Services Office (Sudbury, ON)
- Northwestern Municipal Services Office (Thunder Bay, ON)
- Western Municipal Services Office (London, ON)
ServiceOntario has an Ontario Photo Card service for people who don't have a driver's licence. The Ontario Photo Card is government-issued identification. This card will make it easier for you to do things that require official identification, if you don't have a driver's licence.
Municipal Services
The City of Richmond Hill provides a number of services for its residents. Learn more by visiting our About Richmond Hill page.
York Region Services
York Region has a number of services to help and support communities in the Region, such as Richmond Hill. Residents can find assistance through the following regional services:
There are a number of organizations and departments that provide emergency services to the Richmond Hill community.
Fire and Emergency Services
Richmond Hill's Fire and Emergency Services responds to many different calls including fires, medical assistance, rescue, auto extraction, public assistance, spills and the release of hazardous materials. Call 9-1-1 for help when there's an emergency. Contact Fire and Emergency Services at 905-883-5444, if you have other questions or concerns.
Police
The York Regional Police are in charge of police services in Richmond Hill. Call 9-1-1 for help when they're an emergency. You can also reach the York Regional Police, toll-free, at 1-866-8POLICE (76-5423) for all other questions or concerns.
Other police services in the area include Crimestoppers York Region and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Medical
York Region Paramedic Services (EMS) also serves the Richmond Hill community. They provide 24-hour service for emergency and non-emergency ambulance requests. Call 9-1-1 to get emergency ambulance service from anywhere in York Region.
Poison
Call Ontario's Poison Information Centre at 1-800-268-9017 for information about poison, 24-hours a day.
Sexual Abuse
The Women's Support Network of York Region provides confidential services for women who have experienced sexual violence. You can reach the Crisis Line at 905-895-7313.
Visit York Region's website to learn about food access and insecurity.
There are also a number of groups in York Region that provide the community with health-related services, including:
- Community Care Access Centre of York Region
- Eating Disorders of York Region
- Mackenzie Health Hospital
- York Region Public Health Services
Many of these services help residents find information about health care, preventing health issues and how to live healthier lifestyles.
York Region Housing Services give the community information about affordable social housing. Social housing includes:
- Co-operative housing
- Non-profit housing
- Rent supplement housing
York Region's largest social housing provider is Housing York Inc. (HYI). They have a number of housing options for families, singles, seniors and people with special needs.
Social services in York Region are managed by Ontario Works. This province-wide assistance program includes the following social services to help residents:
- Employment and financial assistance
- Assistance for young parents
- Employment resource centres
- Financial assistance and benefits
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