🇨🇦 Canada · Government login
GCKey
GCKey (Government of Canada Key) federal sign-in
GCKey is a federal username-and-password credential used to sign in to most Government of Canada online accounts and services. It is one of two main ways to access federal services, the other being a Sign-In Partner login through a participating bank. GCKey is a credential service integrated across more than 30 federal departments, not an identity document.
What it does
Online authentication
Country:🇨🇦 Canada
Type:Government login
Status:Live
Launched:2012
Issuer:Government of Canada (Shared Services Canada)
Who can get it:Anyone who needs to access participating Government of Canada online services
Format
Web credential (username and password)Two-factor authentication
Identity attributes
Username (no personal identity attributes stored in the credential itself)
Authentication methods
Username and passwordTwo-factor authentication (2FA)
Common use cases
My Service Canada AccountIRCC immigration secure accountNumerous federal department and agency online services
Standards
SAML 2.0 / federated identity (GC Cyber Authentication framework)
Coverage
Integrated with 30+ federal agencies and services
Interoperability
Domestic
Privacy and trust
GCKey is a credential broker that authenticates users without disclosing the user's identity or activity between the credential service and the relying department.
GCKey: frequently asked questions
- Is GCKey a digital identity or just a login?
- It is a login credential for federal services, not an identity document. It authenticates you but does not by itself prove your identity attributes.
- What is the alternative to GCKey?
- A Sign-In Partner login, which lets you sign in using your online banking credentials through the Interac sign-in service.
Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. See Canada data protection law · all Canada schemes · identity verification vendors