A Service Canada centre. (Photo courtesy of Raysonho via Wikipedia)

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The federal government has announced that it will be closing all in-person Service Canada centres across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahmed Hussen, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced on Thursday that the government will shutter all Service Canada locations and move all employment insurance (EI) services over the phone and online.

“During a time when we are asking most Canadians to stay home, we need to make sure our service delivery model follows the best public health advice, while also meeting the needs of Canadians,” said Hussen in a statement.

The minister stressed that everyone will still be able to access their benefits. He said the employees who worked at the now-closed centres, will be providing services to Canadians over the phone.

“Our citizen service officers will be providing personalized service support for EI and pensions applications, in addition to the services provided over the phone by our call centres. This will allow more Canadians to get the support they need, while better protecting both them and our staff,” said Hussen.

Hussen said the easier way to access these services, such as an application for EI, continues to be online by visiting the government’s website.

“We recognize that this might be a challenge for some Canadians who prefer to receive services in person. I want to assure Canadians that we are committed to ensuring they all have access to the supports they need and deserve,” Hussen said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced earlier this week that Canadians who are out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic should start to receive financial help from the federal government within 10 days of applying for employment insurance (EI).

-With files from Miranda Chant