National

Canada's passport backlog 'completely eliminated'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Mar, 2023 11:02 AM

OTTAWA - Families Minister Karina Gould announced today that the federal government has now "completely eliminated" the backlog of passport applications that caused major delays — and major political strife — last year.

Tune in for an important update on Passport Service Delivery ⬇️

//

Suivez-nous pour une mise à jour importante sur la prestation de services des passeports ⬇️https://t.co/k507xrGUWL https://t.co/GBGWujj7N5
— Karina Gould (@karinagould) March 21, 2023

She also announced that Ottawa is launching a new digital tool that will allow Canadians to check the status of their Service Canada application online, as long as they provide an email address.

The update comes after Gould said in late January that the backlog was "virtually eliminated," with the exception of some complex cases held back for reasons such as child-custody issues.

The pandemic had caused a nearly two-year lull in passport applications, but demand skyrocketed once people began travelling again, leading Service Canada to double the number of employees processing passports last year.

Gould told reporters today that she can guarantee that people who apply for passports will now get them on time, and she urged people whose passports expire in 2023 to get them renewed immediately.

The minister says there are plans in place in case another backlog occurs, but she did not offer details about what those plans are.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

MPs plan to probe Rogers-Shaw deal a second time

The House of Commons industry and technology committee is planning to initiate another study of the proposed Rogers-Shaw merger. Conservative MP Rick Perkins and New Democrat MP Brian Masse confirmed that the committee plans to meet on Jan. 25 to review the proposed $26 billion transaction.

MPs plan to probe Rogers-Shaw deal a second time

Flu season getting back to normal in B.C.: Henry

The influenza outbreak that resulted in the deaths of six young people in British Columbia last month is on the decline, but the provincial health officer says the flu season is far from over. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been no reported deaths of young people since last month when the province experienced an unusual spike of flu-rated cases during November and December.

Flu season getting back to normal in B.C.: Henry

Man charged in 4 break and enters in Richmond, 3 of which took place the same day

The break and enters all occurred in March of 2022, three of the four having taken place on the same day. At approximately 3:29 am on March 21, 2022, a suspect allegedly broke into a store in the 9200 block of Alderbridge Way and stole approximately $ 2500.00 in merchandise.

Man charged in 4 break and enters in Richmond, 3 of which took place the same day

Surrey RCMP seize 184 grams of Fentanyl, large amounts of cocaine, and over $7K in cash

8 people were arrested inside the residence at the time the search warrant was executed. One person was held in custody for breach of probation and the others were released pending further investigation.

Surrey RCMP seize 184 grams of Fentanyl, large amounts of cocaine, and over $7K in cash

Canada needs more newcomers: Immigration minister

In November, the federal Liberal government announced a new immigration plan that would see Canada welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025. A record-breaking 431,645 people became permanent residents in 2022.

Canada needs more newcomers: Immigration minister

Federal back-to-office mandate begins Monday

Treasury Board President Mona Fortier announced last month that all departments must bring workers back to the office at least two to three times a week by the end of March. In an interview Thursday, she did not specify what the consequences may be for anyone who refuses to return.