Should access to local programs such as library cards or medical records be restricted?

When planning a long-term departure from Canada — whether for study abroad, an extended business trip, or even a vacation for several months — many newcomers and permanent residents wonder whether they should close access to the local services and programs they previously used. This isn't just about bank accounts with monthly fees, but also seemingly innocuous services like library cards, provincial health insurance programs, or municipal loyalty cards. Ignoring this issue can result in unwanted fees, blocked access, or even legal consequences. In this article, we will look at what steps to take for each category of local programs and why it is important.

1. Provincial health care system

Provincial health insurance (MSP, OHIP, etc.)

Each province and territory in Canada has its own public health insurance system: MSP in British Columbia, OHIP in Ontario, RAMQ in Quebec, and others. If you are leaving the province for more than six months (or for a period limited by your permit), you must notify your local health authority immediately.

  • How to do it: Go to your province's official website, find the “Change of Information” or “Leaving the Province” section, fill out the online form, or send a written notification.

  • Why it's important: If you remain registered after six months of absence, you risk paying monthly premiums, while if you need to return for treatment, you may be denied coverage. In addition, the province may require you to reimburse the cost of any medical services you received during your absence.

Private insurance supplements

If you purchased a supplementary plan through your university or employer, check your contract: it usually expires automatically at the end of the contract term or upon request by the participant. To do so, contact the insurance company's call center and send an official request to terminate your coverage.

2. Municipal and regional cards

Public transportation (PRESTO, Compass, Opal, etc.)

Many regions in Canada use contactless cards to pay for buses, trains, and ferries. If you are leaving for a long time, it is a good idea to close your card or freeze your balance.

  • Procedure: Go to the carrier's web portal, log in to your account, and select “Suspend Card” or “Close Account.” In some provinces, you will need to return the physical card to the carrier's office to receive a refund of the remaining balance.

  • Pitfalls: Unused bonuses (such as free rides for the entire month) expire after the card is blocked, so use them a few days before you leave or top up your card to get a refund later.

Library cards

Municipal libraries almost everywhere charge an annual subscription fee or a monthly fee (especially for non-permanent residents). Before a long absence:

  1. Check your account balance to see if there are any unpaid fines for overdue books.
  2. Cancel your membership in person or online: usually, you just need to log in to your account on the library's website and submit a “Cancel Membership” request.
  3. If you are unable to visit the library in person, send an email requesting that your account be closed, including your name, card number, and contact information.

Note: Unpaid fines may be passed on to collection agencies and could affect your credit history.

Sports and cultural centers

Many city fitness centers, swimming pools, or cultural clubs operate on a subscription basis. Before you leave:

  • Terminate your contract or freeze your subscription for the period of your absence (you can do this through your online account or through customer service).
  • Check the refund policy: some centers refund unused months, while others may charge a penalty for early termination of the agreement.

3. Educational programs and student cards

If you are studying at a Canadian university or college, even during your vacation, it is worth restructuring your access to campus resources:

  • Email and online account of your educational institution: check if you can keep access while you are away. Universities often keep accounts for up to a year after graduation.
  • Library access and databases: you may need a proxy server or university VPN to access resources remotely. Ask technical support to set up this access.
  • Student ID card: if you plan to return after an absence of less than a year, it is often sufficient to “freeze” it at the student office. If the duration of your absence is indefinite, consider returning your card and having it reissued upon your return.

4. Memberships in associations and clubs

Trade unions and community organizations

If you are a member of a professional association or community organization (e.g., legal, medical, or volunteer), check the membership rules:

  • Some associations automatically terminate membership after a period of inactivity.
  • If you still need access to resources (journals, newsletters, conference discounts) while abroad, ask about the possibility of receiving online publications and video libraries virtually.
  • If your obligations are limited to regular dues, send a request to stop payments or suspend your membership.

5. Taxes and tax benefits

Leaving Canada may affect your resident status for tax purposes. To avoid confusion:

  • Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your change of address and status (non-resident). This will prevent automatic requests for annual returns and tax refunds.
  • Check whether you are still eligible for Canadian tax benefits, such as medical expenses, education benefits, and family deductions. Declaring yourself a non-resident will change your eligibility for some of these benefits.

Closing or freezing access to local programs and cards before leaving Canada for an extended period is an important step in an organized approach. It helps you avoid unnecessary expenses, maintain your credit rating, and ensure that you don't have any problems restoring your lost account or paying accumulated fines when you return. Act early: make a list of all the services and programs you use, check the terms for termination or suspension of access, and stick to deadlines so that your departure remains a pleasant stage in your life rather than a source of unnecessary hassle.