A significant barrier for individuals and families seeking support is not knowing where to turn.
211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based health and social services. It complements our community’s investment in existing social services, providing more efficient access to information and referral. The public can call for help, finding community, social, health and government services, for volunteer opportunities, and also to give donations or gifts in kind. The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text, and web. 211 helps connect people to the right information and services, making their pathway to care and resources a guided and trusted one. Visit 211.ca for more information.
Make the Connection. Cal 2-1-1
For emergency and life-threatening situations, call 9-1-1.
2001 – In response to the application submitted by United Way Centraide Canada and its partners, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) assigned 2-1-1 as the toll-free helpline for information about community, social, health and government services.
2002 – The first 211 service opened in Toronto.
2004 – 211 launched in Edmonton by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region
2005 – 211 launched in Calgary by United Way of Calgary and the Distress Centre.
2010 – 211 launched in Kingston and the surrounding area
2013 – 211 launched for residents of Nova Scotia (February).
By summer 2020, 211 is available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and most of Quebec.
Dec 2020 – 211 achieved full service across all of Canada