Our Mandate

What is 211?

211 is the source Canadians trust when seeking information and services to deal with life’s challenges.

211’s award-winning telephone helpline (2-1-1) and website provide a gateway to community, social, non-clinical health and related government services.

211 helps to navigate the complex network of human services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages.

211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthens Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians to become more engaged with their communities.

When you don’t know where to turn, turn to 211.

Jump to a section

    Can I trust 211?

    211 implemented a new customer satisfaction tool in 2016.  Here are a few things we learned in the first few months from the callers who took the survey:

    • 82% are Very  Satisfied with 211
    • 88% would call 211 again
    • 86% of callers followed up on the referrals provided
    • 87% feel they are better prepared
    • 71% of callers who participated in the Outcome Survey feel their health improved by getting the right help

    What is Ontario 211 Services?

    211 in Ontario is governed by Ontario 211 Services, a non-profit agency with six full-time staff and a dedicated Board of Directors. They work in collaboration with six Regional 211 Service Providers, and a unique network of data contributors to deliver 211 services though the phone and through online channels to all Ontario residents.

    Who funds 211?

    All three levels of government and United Ways fund Ontario 211. The Province of Ontario supports 211 through annual funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Ontario Trillium Foundation has been a generous contributor to our development. The federal government has provided support through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 211 is also supported by Green Shield Canada.

    211 Ontario’s Vision

    The vision for 211 Ontario is consistent with the vision for 211 in Canada – to be the primary source of information and gateway to human services for individuals and planners.

    What this means for individuals – or their family members, neighbours, friends & colleagues — looking for help is that 211 is a number they know and trust to provide the right resources, the first time. 211 will help people connect to their communities and maintain a good quality of life.

    For community and government agencies, 211 will be a trusted resource to help them find services for their clients, and to receive qualitative caller needs data that provide additional insight about the needs in the community.

    For emergency responders and emergency managers, 211 will provide a channel for authoritative information to the public regarding non-urgent needs and services, allowing them to focus their resources on their core mandate.

    Finally, for government planners and other decision-makers, 211 will provide rich data about caller/user needs that will help inform their investment and policy decisions regarding social, health and government services.

    211 in Ontario

    Vision and Roadmap 2013 to 2015

    Download PDF (1.2 MB)