Canadian documents glossary
Short, answer-first definitions of terms that show up on Canadian forms and help articles. Each entry links to the relevant form guides and life-event checklists.
- Accessible Parking Permit (Ontario)
An Accessible Parking Permit (APP) lets eligible people with disabilities use designated accessible parking spaces in Ontario.
- BN (Business Number)
A Business Number (BN) is the CRA’s nine-digit identifier for a business, used for GST/HST, payroll, and corporate accounts.
- Canadian passport
A Canadian passport is the federal travel document that proves citizenship and identity for international travel.
- CRA My Account
CRA My Account is the Canada Revenue Agency’s online portal for individuals to view tax returns, benefits, RRSP room, and notices of assessment.
- Direct deposit
Direct deposit is electronic payment into your bank account using your transit, institution, and account numbers — used for paycheques, tax refunds, and benefits.
- GCKey
GCKey is a Government of Canada sign-in credential used to access online services such as CRA My Account, IRCC, and Service Canada.
- LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board)
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is Ontario’s tribunal that resolves most residential tenancy disputes between landlords and tenants.
- NOA (Notice of Assessment)
A Notice of Assessment (NOA) is the CRA’s summary of your tax return after they process it — income, credits, balance owing or refund.
- ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)
ODSP is Ontario’s income and employment support program for eligible people with disabilities.
- OHIP number (Ontario health card)
Your OHIP number is the unique identifier on your Ontario health card, used for publicly funded health services in Ontario.
- Ontario birth certificate
An Ontario birth certificate is the official vital-statistics document proving a birth registered in Ontario, issued by ServiceOntario.
- Ontario death certificate
An Ontario death certificate is the official vital-statistics document proving a death registered in Ontario.
- Ontario driver’s licence
An Ontario driver’s licence is the photo ID issued by the Ministry of Transportation that authorizes you to drive and is widely used as government photo ID.
- Ontario marriage certificate
An Ontario marriage certificate is the official record of a marriage registered in Ontario, used for name changes, benefits, and immigration.
- Ontario Photo Card
The Ontario Photo Card is government photo ID for residents who do not have a driver’s licence.
- Ontario Standard Lease
The Ontario Standard Lease is the mandatory residential tenancy agreement template most private landlords must use for most new tenancies in Ontario.
- Ontario Trillium Benefit / Trillium Drug Program
“Trillium” in Ontario usually refers either to the Ontario Trillium Benefit (tax/credit) or the Trillium Drug Program (high prescription costs) — related names, different programs.
- Ontario Works
Ontario Works is Ontario’s social-assistance program that provides temporary financial and employment support to eligible people in need.
- PR card (Permanent Resident card)
A Permanent Resident (PR) card is the wallet-sized proof of permanent resident status in Canada, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- ROE (Record of Employment)
A Record of Employment (ROE) is the form an employer issues when your employment ends or is interrupted — Service Canada uses it for EI claims.
- SIN (Social Insurance Number)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number issued by Service Canada that you need to work in Canada and to access government programs and benefits.
- Study permit
A study permit is the IRCC document that authorizes a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.
- T4 slip
A T4 is the Statement of Remuneration Paid — the slip your employer issues each year showing employment income and deductions for your tax return.
- Void cheque
A void cheque is a blank cheque marked “VOID,” used to share your banking details (transit, institution, and account numbers) for direct deposit without authorizing a payment.
- Work permit
A work permit is an IRCC authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Canada under specific conditions.