Service Canada Centre – Peterborough, ON

Federal Government Services: Peterborough

The Peterborough Service Canada Centre, centrally located at 219 George Street North (near Sherbrooke Street), serves as the primary access point for federal government programs in Peterborough County. This office connects residents with the Government of Canada, providing personalized assistance for a wide range of benefits and services. While many applications can be completed online through ‘My Service Canada Account,’ this physical location is essential for individuals who require face-to-face support, need to submit supporting documents, or have complex inquiries regarding their files. The centre acts as a hub for seniors, job seekers, families, and newcomers, ensuring that federal support is accessible to all members of the community. The facility is fully accessible to individuals with mobility impairments and offers services in both English and French.

Passport and Biometric Services

Residents of Peterborough can access essential passport services at this location. As a receiving agent, the centre accepts standard passport applications, reviews them for completeness, processes payments, and validates photos. Crucially, this office is equipped for biometrics collection (fingerprints and digital photos), which is a mandatory step for many new passport applicants and foreign nationals applying for visas or work permits. It is important to note that this is not a passport production facility; urgent requests (requiring pickup in 24-48 hours) must be directed to specialized Passport Offices in larger urban centres like Whitby or Toronto. However, for standard processing times, submitting applications here is a convenient and secure option.

Employment and Income Support

The centre plays a vital role in supporting the local workforce through the administration of Employment Insurance (EI). Citizen Service Officers assist workers who have lost their jobs, are on parental leave, or are unable to work due to illness, guiding them through the application process and helping to resolve reporting issues. Additionally, the office serves as a critical resource for Canada’s public pension systems. Seniors can visit to apply for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Staff can explain eligibility criteria, help with income-testing forms, and certify copies of legal documents (such as marriage certificates) required for these applications, sparing clients the expense of private notarization.

Identification and Newcomer Services

Obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is often the first step for new workers and residents. This Service Canada Centre issues SINs on-site for most applicants, providing immediate confirmation of their number upon presentation of valid primary documents (e.g., birth certificate, permanent resident card). This service is indispensable for students starting their first jobs and newcomers settling in the region. The centre also provides information on other federal initiatives, such as the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for skilled trades and the Wage Earner Protection Program, facilitating economic participation and stability for Peterborough residents.