She adds that in many cases, identification documents are required to access essential services like health care, social services, housing and more.
“Without ID, vulnerable individuals may be excluded from these supports, right. But the Centre for Workforce Development also recognizes that identification is necessary in order to comply with employment regulations.”
Ramsay says many vulnerable and unhoused people are willing and eager job seekers and this can help them take that next step.
“They’re gonna help individuals to gain access to financial services which can aid in managing money and saving for the future. And, perhaps, most importantly, possessing an ID can help contribute to one’s sense of identity and self-worth.”
At the clinic, people will be able to obtain or access:
Canadian Birth Certificates
Social Insurance Numbers
Ontario Health Card (OHIP)
Ontario Photo ID Card
Pension Benefits (CPP, OAS, GIS)
Canadian Dental Care Plan
Employment Insurance (EI)
Ontario Works information and application assistance
ID fee waiver support for birth certificates
CFWD is collaborating with several government agencies, local businesses, and non-profits to host the event including Service Canada, ServiceOntario, John Howard Society, Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre, Hastings County – Ontario Works, CMHA, and Alterna Savings.
Ramsay says this initiative exemplifies the power of community collaboration in addressing significant barriers and promoting inclusive workforce and economic participation and, while this is the first ID clinic in this area, successful ones have been held in areas like Kingston and Peterborough.
Ramsay hopes they will be able to hold more clinics in the coming months in other parts of their catchment area which includes Hastings and Prince Edward counties and Lennox and Addington.
