211 National

Signing of the Sublicensing Agreement for the Canadian Taxonomy of Human Services

October 24, 2006 -- Canadian Community Information and Referral Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario; remarks made by Paul Bartel, InformCanada, President.

It's not often that we are called upon to take part in a historic act involving one of the tools of our trade.  But today we are celebrating the signing of a pact that for our own small field of Information and Referral is indeed momentous. I am thrilled to officially announce the emergence of a new North American classification system built on the foundational AIRS/INFO LINE Taxonomy of Human Services, marked by the signing of a sublicencing agreement between InformCanada Federation and 211 LA County. This announcement is important to information and referral providers from all sectors, and everyone who believes that improved efficiencies can lead to more dollars directed to front line service delivery. Read more >>

211 Canada Charter & Standards

Information on 211Canada.ca in printable format:

Download 211_canada_charter.pdf
Download 211_normes_minimales_fr.pdf
Download 211_Logo_Graphic_Standards_Oct_2004.pdf
More on Information & Referral Standards

Information & Referral Standards

InformCanada is the national organization of public, nonprofit and government Information and Referral providers. InformCanada also develops and promotes national standards for I&R, strengthens the national I&R network, and represents I&R at the federal level. InformCanada's primary activity is assisting with the implementation of 211 services in communities across Canada.

211 is a standards based service:

• Service provider has either achieved AIRS Accreditation or has formally applied for accreditation and is undertaking the time-limited accreditation process.
• 211 calls are answered by I&R Specialists who are InformCanada/AIRS Certified Information and Referral Specialists (CIRS) or are qualifying for certification.
• Once attained, certification will be maintained. Database editors are InformCanada/AIRS Certified Resource Specialists (CRS), or are qualifying for certification. Once attained, certification will be maintained.

From the 211 Canada Charter. Download 211_canada_charter.pdf

Standards documentation

Summary of AIRS Standards
Standards for Information & Referral
Sommaire des normes (AIRS)
Normes : Services professionnels d’information et de réference — financé par Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada.