Canada's new government introduces new measures to simplify the passport process

June 08, 2007

Ottawa, Ontario - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Opportunities Agency, announced today new measures to simplify the passport issuance system, improve satisfaction among Canadians, and allow Passport Canada to cope with increased demand.

"Canada's New Government has been working to improve Canada's passport services and make the system more convenient for Canadians," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Over the summer and fall, we will begin implementing a series of initiatives to simplify and improve the passport application and issuing process while ensuring the security and integrity of the Canadian passport."

The new measures include;

• A Simplified Passport Renewal Program allowing Canadians who currently hold a valid passport, and who meet eligibility criteria, to be able to renew it without submitting proof of citizenship or a guarantor declaration.
• A Simplified Guarantor Policy which will allow most Canadian adult passport holders to act as guarantors for first-time applicants.
• A Series of Passport Clinics across the country with a special focus on border areas and areas far from large urban centres. Passport officers will be on site to answer questions from the public about applying for a passport, review passport applications to ensure they are complete, and will accept completed passport applications for processing.
  

These measures are part of a broader effort by Canada's New Government to modernize Canadian passport services and increase its capacity to better meet demand. Measures include:

• Launching a staffing campaign to fill hundreds of new full-time positions;
• Extending office hours where warranted, such as Montréal, Pointe-Claire, Whitby, Brampton and Vancouver;
• Opening 65 additional Receiving Agents in border and rural communities at participating Canada Post and Service Canada centres;
• Moving some operations to larger facilities to accommodate new personnel and increase capacity;
• Expanding existing office space where facilities permit;
• Adding an evening production shift in certain locations to accelerate the processing of applications; and
• Modernizing technology and streamlining processes.
  

Canadians can send their applications by mail, use Service Canada or Canada Post services, fill out their application using Passport On-line or visit a local office. A complete checklist identifying the steps in the passport application process, as well as the location of Passport Canada offices and Canada Post / Service Canada receiving agents, is available at www.passportcanada.gc.ca.

Passport Canada is a Special Operating Agency of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Its mission is to issue secure Canadian travel documents through authentication of identity and entitlement, facilitating travel and contributing to international and domestic security.