As an Employment Counsellor in a community organization, I am often asked to clarify the differences between Services Canada, Services Quebec, and social assistance, and who to contact for which service.
The first thing to remember is that Service Canada handles employment insurance benefits (the money) and Services Québec handles employability services (training, job search support, etc.). As one is a federal entity and the other a provincial one, their offices and services are very distinct. Nevertheless, Services Canada can pass on your contact information to Services Quebec so that they can, for example, inform you of the services available. There you will deal with an Employment Assistance Agent who will analyse your needs and refer you to the appropriate service. Only this agent can grant you the right to a service, depending on your eligibility. You will most likely be supported by an Employment Counsellor or a Guidance Counsellor in an organisation such as ours.
Services Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/service-canada.html
Services Québec
https://www.quebec.ca/en/employment
As far as social assistance is concerned, even if their offices are in the same building as Services Québec, their mandates are different. There you will meet with a Financial Aid Agent. For those who are considered first-time applicants, you will automatically be put in contact with Services Québec to develop a personalized employment integration plan.
https://www.quebec.ca/en/employment/aim-employment-program
I hope that this has made things a little clearer for everyone.
Text by Patricia Bélanger, Employment Counsellor