Standards for Professional Information and Referral

This 5th edition of the Standards for Professional Information and Referral represents the most important version published to date. It includes a significant expansion of content, adding sections for Crisis Intervention and Disaster Preparedness, and it is the first version issued by the AIRS Standards Committee while operating under a new structure and a new set of policies and procedures.

Download AIRS Standards >>

Annual General Meeting

The 2007 AGM took place on October 1, 2007 at 5:00 pm at the Canadian Community Information and Referral Conference hold at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 350 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

2007 Canadian Community I&R Conference

BluestemWINNIPEG | October 1 & 2, 2007 -- The Canadian Community Information and Referral Conference for 2007, "Youth, Communities and Volunteering" was held in Winnipeg, sponsored by InformCanada and hosted by CONTACT Community Information.

Workshop presentations in pdf format are available at the conference website.

The AIRS/211LA Taxonomy of Human Services--Canadian Version

211LA County is partnering with InformCanada to bring you the Canadian version of the AIRS/211LA County Taxonomy, the premier classification system for indexing community services records.

InformCanada is proud to present the Canadian English version of the Taxonomy of Human Services. By mid 2008, the Canadian French version of this Taxonomy will also be available. As the representative for the AIRS/211LA County Taxonomy in Canada, InformCanada provides French and English editorial support, training, promotion, administration and outreach. InformCanada represents the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems in Canada and is responsible for ensuring Canadian content in standards materials

In order to access the Taxonomy you must complete the Taxonomy Subscription form. You must also read and agree to the terms of the Subscriber Agreement.

Download Taxonomy Subscriber Agreement and Terms of Use >>

InformCanada members share a commitment to excellence in information and referral and the mission of bringing people and services together across Canada. Members receive preferred rates on Taxonomy subscriptions, conference fees, certification exams and training. From January 2008-2010 there will be a low introductory rate for Taxonomy subscription, bundled with the InformCanada (and InformOntario if applicable) membership fees. If you subscribe to the Taxonomy during 2007, your fee will be prorated to the end of the year, e-mail InformCanada at info@informcanada.ca for details. See the registration form for subscriber categories.

Download Membership/Subscription Form >>

Browse through the Taxonomy

If you are not yet ready to subscribe to the Canadian Taxonomy but would like to browse through it and see what supports are available to users, go to www.211taxonomy.org

Continue reading "The AIRS/211LA Taxonomy of Human Services--Canadian Version" »

The ABC’s of I&R Canadian Edition

This 400-page publication is the foundation for training new Information & Referral Specialists and Resource Specialists, and also serves as a reference tool and refresher for more experienced staff – especially anyone preparing to obtain their Certification. Instructional sections include discussion issues, role-playing options, scenarios, guidelines on language to use in certain situations, and questions on the objectives. The latest Canadian edition has just been released. It represents an update of last year’s 4th edition of “The ABC’s of I&R” with two new sections on I&R in a Disaster and additional test questions at the end of each section. The ABC’s can be used by either an instructor leading a training session or by an individual working within a self-directed environment. (Note that in order to control costs, this publication is only available as a downloaded PDF and must be printed at the purchaser’s expense)

Download Order Form
- in Word format   >>>
- in PDF format   >>>

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.

Continue reading "Signing of the Sublicensing Agreement for the Canadian Taxonomy of Human Services" »

Canadian Community Information and Referral Conference

On October 23 & 24, 2006, Helping in Times of Crisis, the Canadian Community Information and Referral Conference (CCIRC) was held in beautiful Niagara Falls, Ontario.

InformCanada partnered with affiliate InformOntario and host organization, Information Niagara. The conference featured best practices in I&R, including new information resources and information technology tools developed through the 211 Ontario Project, and current news on the 211 initiative across Canada.

The conference theme "Helping in Times of Crisis", encouraged participants to consider past and emerging roles for I&R in times of crisis. Presentations and related information can be found on the conference website.

Les normes de l’AIRS disponibles en français

Les normes de l’AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Systems) pour les services professionnels d’information et de référence sont disponibles en français. L’appui de Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada a contribué au développement des normes de l’AIRS en français dans le cadre d’une initiative ontarienne. Ce projet vise l’amélioration des compétences et de la cohérence des services d’information et de référence pour le personnel de première ligne en établissement. Les normes de l’AIRS en français sont offertes par Findhelp Information Services/Services d’information Findhelp, un organisme membre de la Fédération InformCanada.

Télécharger les normes v 5.2 >>

Membership Application

432451_my_red_pencil_1 As the national organization of Information and Referral (I&R) providers, InformCanada serves as a resource for members from coast to coast. Our members represent multi-faceted services sharing a common vision. Read more >>

Download Membership/Taxonomy application form PDF format or Word format

AIRS Standards in French

The AIRS Standards for Professional Information and Referral are available in French. The support of Citizenship and Immigration Canada supported development of the AIRS standards in French as part of an Ontario-wide training project to enhance skills and consistency in information and referral for front line settlement staff. Provided by ICF member agency, Findhelp Information Services.

Download the standards v 5.2 >>