When planning a move in Quebec, it’s essential to notify a number of organizations and services to avoid unexpected issues, especially those related to income and insurance. Below are the main steps and contacts to update during a move.
1. The Quebec Change of Address Service (SQCA)
To simplify the process, the Government of Quebec offers the Quebec Change of Address Service (SQCA). This online platform lets you update your new address with several key departments all at once.
Using the SQCA, you notify the following automatically:
- CNESST (labour standards, equity, health and safety)
- Élections Québec
- RAMQ (Quebec Health Insurance Board)
- Retraite Québec
- Revenu Québec
- SAAQ (driver’s licence, auto insurance)
- Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity
You can access the online service or call 514-644-4545, 418-644-4545, or 1-877-644-4545.
2. Other ministries and agencies to notify
Some government programs and services are not included in the SQCA. You’ll need to contact them directly, especially if you receive benefits or have specific files:
- Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ)
- Public Curator of Quebec
- Student financial assistance
- Ministry of Higher Education
- Épargne Placements Québec
- Municipality (property taxes)
- School board (school taxes)
- Federal departments and agencies
3. Government of Canada and federal agencies
The federal government does not offer a centralized change of address service. You must contact each agency separately:
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Elections Canada
- Service Canada (employment insurance, pensions, SIN, etc.)
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Canadian Firearms Program
- Canada Pension Plan
- Old Age Security
For CRA, you can update your address online, by phone, or by mail.
4. Insurance and financial services
Don’t forget to notify your insurance companies:
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Supplemental health insurance
- Life insurance
- Group insurance (via employer)
- Financial institutions (bank, credit card, investments, RRSPs, etc.)
If you receive direct deposits (refunds, benefits), update your banking info with the relevant organizations.
5. Service providers and subscriptions
To avoid interruptions and ensure you keep receiving your services, update your address with:
- Hydro-Québec and other energy providers (electricity, gas, oil)
- Internet and phone service providers
- Delivery services (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
- Subscriptions (newspapers, magazines, public transit, gym, etc.)
- Car or bike-sharing services (Communauto, Bixi, etc.)
6. Health, school, and daily life
Depending on your situation, also inform the following:
- Doctor, dentist, pharmacy, hospital
- Schools (elementary, college, university, daycare)
- Employer and union
- Professional orders, associations, federations
- Charities
- Public Curator, notary, accountant
7. Mail forwarding
To avoid missing any important mail, Canada Post offers a mail forwarding service to your new address for a fee.
Helpful tips:
- Submit your change of address as early as possible, ideally before moving day.
- Keep an updated checklist of all organizations to notify.
- Use the SQCA to save time.
- Whenever you receive mail at your old address, inform the sender of your new one.