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N11 Services

Service codes, referred to as "N11 codes" because of their format, are used to provide three-digit dialling access to special services (e.g., 411 Local Directory Assistance).

What is N11 Service?

N11 code services differ locally; you search for which local N11 service codes are available in your area. Unfortunately, some areas do not offer N11 service.

What N11 numbers are offered locally?

The Canadian Numbering Administrator N11 Code Page.

The Canadian N11 Notification & Implementation Guideline can be obtained from the CRTC website.

Common N11 services in Canada

(click here to learn more about 911 emergency service).

2-1-1 - Public Information and Referral Services

3-1-1 - Non-emergency Municipal Government Services

4-1-1 - Local Directory Assistance

5-1-1 - Weather and Traveler Information Services

8-1-1 - Non-urgent Health Care Telephone Triage Services

Aside from 3-1-1, the rest are typically managed by the province/territory (where available).

9-1-1

9-1-1 is to be used for Emergency Services.

  • If you dial 9-1-1 by mistake, stay on the line to let the operator know you have made a mistake. Otherwise, the operator may assume you are in distress and dispatch the emergency service unnecessarily.
  • To report a crime, call the police or the local detachment of the RCMP, however, if it is urgent, call 9-1-1.
  • To anonymously report a crime you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For more information on net2phone Canada's 9-1-1 dialling visit the page here.

How does N11 service work for my VoIP service?

The service we use will look at the area code and exchange of the caller, and try to match with the local service.

For example, if you call 3-1-1 from a 613 number, you'll get the City of Ottawa. If you call it from a 416 number, you'll get Toronto's N11 service.

What is 9-8-8 emergency service?

The U.S. is implementing a 9-8-8 number on July 16, 2022. It’s a nationwide mental health crisis phone number for people to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counsellors. While 9-8-8 is not available in Canada yet, help is still available for those who need it.

Reach Canada Suicide Prevention Services (CSPS) at the toll-free number 1-833-456-4566.

Help is also available by text message:

  • Adults text: 741741
  • Youths text: 686868
  • Quebec residents text: 1-855-957-5353