Montreal

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Emergencies

Key details on accessing emergency services, including medical, fire, and police support in Montreal.

Sections

1. Emergency Financial Assistance in Montreal

If you find yourself in a financial emergency in Montreal, there are several resources and services available to help you. These include government programs, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions.

A. Government Assistance

The Quebec government provides emergency financial assistance through its Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MTESS). This assistance is designed for individuals or families facing urgent financial crises.

  • Program Name: Last-Resort Financial Assistance (Aide financière de dernier recours)
  • Eligibility:
    • You must be a resident of Quebec.
    • You must demonstrate an urgent need for financial support (e.g., inability to pay for food, shelter, or essential services).
    • Immigrants, temporary residents, and visitors may not qualify unless they have legal status and meet specific criteria.
  • How to Apply:
    1. Contact the Centre local d’emploi (CLE) nearest to you. You can find your local CLE office here: CLE Office Locator.
    2. Provide documentation, such as proof of identity, residency, and details of your financial situation.
    3. Applications can often be processed quickly in emergencies.
  • Costs: There are no fees to apply for this assistance.
  • Contact: Call the MTESS at 1-877-767-8773 for more information.

B. Non-Profit Organizations

Several non-profit organizations in Montreal provide emergency financial aid, food, shelter, and other support services.

  1. Sun Youth Organization (Jeunesse au Soleil)

    • Services: Emergency financial aid, food assistance, clothing, and medication support.
    • How to Access:
      • Visit their office at 6700 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC.
      • Call 514-842-6822 to inquire about eligibility and required documents.
    • Website: Sun Youth

  2. Mission Old Brewery

    • Services: Emergency shelter, meals, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
    • Contact: 514-866-6591
    • Website: Old Brewery Mission

  3. Welcome Hall Mission

    • Services: Food assistance, clothing, and support for low-income individuals and families.
    • Contact: 514-523-5288
    • Website: Welcome Hall Mission

C. Financial Institutions

If you are a visitor or immigrant and have a bank account in Canada, your financial institution may offer short-term solutions such as:

  • Overdraft protection.
  • Emergency loans or credit lines.
  • Temporary payment deferrals for credit cards or loans.

Contact your bank directly for assistance. Major banks in Montreal include:

  • RBC (Royal Bank of Canada): 1-800-769-2511
  • TD Bank: 1-866-222-3456
  • Scotiabank: 1-800-472-6842
  • CIBC: 1-800-465-2422
  • BMO (Bank of Montreal): 1-877-225-5266

2. Emergency Local Services in Montreal

In addition to financial assistance, you may need access to other emergency services. Here’s a breakdown of key services and contact information:

A. Emergency Numbers

  • 911: For police, fire, or medical emergencies. This is the primary emergency number in Canada.
  • 811: For non-urgent health issues or to speak with a nurse (Info-Santé).
  • 311: For municipal services, such as reporting issues with public infrastructure or accessing city resources.

B. Medical Emergencies

If you require immediate medical attention:

  • Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • Major hospitals in Montreal include:
    • Montreal General Hospital: 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, QC. Phone: 514-934-1934
    • Jewish General Hospital: 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Rd, Montreal, QC. Phone: 514-340-8222
    • CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal): 1000 Saint-Denis St, Montreal, QC. Phone: 514-890-8000

For non-urgent medical care, visit a walk-in clinic (clinique sans rendez-vous). Use the Quebec government’s website to find a clinic: Santé Québec.

C. Housing Emergencies

If you are at risk of losing your housing or need emergency shelter:

  • Montreal Homelessness Helpline: Call 514-277-9878 for referrals to shelters and housing resources.
  • Emergency Shelters:
    • Maison du Père: Shelter for men. Phone: 514-845-0168
    • Chez Doris: Shelter for women. Phone: 514-937-2341

D. Food Assistance

If you are struggling to afford food, there are food banks and community organizations that can help:

  • Moisson Montréal: The largest food bank in Montreal. Phone: 514-344-4494
  • Santropol Roulant: Provides meals and food delivery for those in need. Phone: 514-284-9335

3. Costs Involved

  • Most emergency services (e.g., police, fire, ambulance) are free for residents and visitors. However, ambulance transportation may incur a fee (approximately $125 to $400, depending on the distance and services provided). If you have travel insurance or provincial health coverage, this cost may be reimbursed.
  • Non-profit services are typically free or low-cost, but some may require proof of financial need.

4. Procedures for Accessing Services

  1. Identify Your Need: Determine whether your emergency is financial, medical, housing-related, or another type.
  2. Contact the Appropriate Service: Use the contact numbers provided above to reach out to the relevant organization or government office.
  3. Prepare Documentation: Be ready to provide identification, proof of residency, and details about your situation.
  4. Follow Up: If you are referred to another organization, follow up promptly to ensure you receive the help you need.

5. Important Local Considerations

  • Language: French is the official language in Quebec, but most emergency services in Montreal are bilingual (French and English). If you do not speak either language, request an interpreter when calling for help.
  • Legal Status: Some services may require proof of legal status in Canada (e.g., permanent resident card, visa, or refugee documentation). However, emergency medical care and some non-profit services are available to everyone, regardless of status.
  • Travel Insurance: If you are a visitor, ensure you have travel insurance to cover unexpected medical or financial emergencies.

6. Key Emergency Contact Numbers

| Service | Phone Number | |-----------------------------|--------------------| | Police, Fire, Ambulance | 911 | | Non-Urgent Health Issues | 811 | | Municipal Services | 311 | | Sun Youth Organization | 514-842-6822 | | Welcome Hall Mission | 514-523-5288 | | Montreal Homelessness Helpline | 514-277-9878 | | Ambulance Billing Inquiries | 1-888-835-7121|

By familiarizing yourself with these resources and procedures, you’ll be better prepared to handle emergencies in Montreal. If you need further assistance or clarification, feel free to ask!