Message From Tony
Improved Passport Services
Since the passport backlog was completely eliminated on March 21, 2023, Service Canada made several improvements to its passport services such as extending the 10-business day service to 22 Service Canada Centres. To this date, 39 Service Canada Centres across the country offer this service, in addition to the 19 passport offices. Also, to plan their visit, Canadians can check estimated wait times at offices offering 10-business day service on the Find a passport service location in Canada webpage. They are updated 3 times a day, at 9:30am, 12:00pm, and 2:00pm. Clients can also book appointments up to 60 days in advance for passport services at their nearest Service Canada location on eServiceCanada to avoid waiting in line. All passport application forms must be completed prior to the appointment.
Two years ago, 3.35 million passports were issued, last year 4.45 million and this year, based on a revised forecast from IRCC, 5.4 million applications are expected to be processed – which is almost a 50% volume increase in just two years. For fiscal year 2023-2024, 92% of passport applications were processed within service standards, regardless of method of submission, exceeding the 90% performance target.
Close to 600 Service Canada points of service offer passport services to Canadians across the country. Canadians can also mail in their applications, and they are handled with the same efficiency.
In March 2023, the Passport Application Status Checker was launched allowing Canadians to get updates on their applications without needing to call or visit Service Canada. The status of the application submitted in person will be available after 5 business days, and 10 business days for those submitted by mail. The Passport Program will contact clients directly if an application is incomplete or if additional information is needed.
Our government is also committed to offering secure online passport service options for Canadians. Work is underway to allow online passport renewals, which will provide eligible clients an option to renew their passport and pay their fees conveniently online.
My office can inquire on your behalf if the request is urgent, and you have an upcoming travel date within 20 business days.
Celebrating Pride in the public service sector
ith a surge in discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, celebrating Pride in the public service carries more weight than ever. This week marks Public Service Pride Week (PSPW), which is an opportunity to honour, learn, celebrate, and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities across the public service.
This year’s theme, “Unity in Diversity”, emphasizes government’s commitment to fostering inclusion and unity in the face of adversity. By taking part in this year’s PSPW, we’re taking a clear stand against hate and discrimination. More than ever, we need to make sure all Canadians feel supported and included. To learn more about virtual and in-person events happening across the country throughout the week, visit this website.
Next week also marks the two-year anniversary of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which is our government’s plan to address the persistent inequalities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, prevent discrimination, and advance rights and equality. Our government is committed to this work by listening to leaders, experts, and advocates to find solutions that respond to the community’s needs.
Happy Pride Season and Public Service Pride Week! 🏳️🌈
Seeking innovative solutions to combat vehicle theft
Vehicle theft has reached a critical point in Canada, resulting in a billion-dollar cost to Canadian households each year and affecting the safety and security of our communities. The Government of Canada is seeking innovative solutions to deter and prevent vehicle theft.
Last week, we launched the Vehicle Theft Prevention challenge through the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program. This funding opportunity will support the creation of anti-theft technologies by challenging Canadian small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) to bring forward new solutions to prevent auto theft that are affordable, safe, easy to install, and commercially viable. Applicants have until September 25th, 2024, at 2 PM Eastern Time to send their proposed solution.
This challenge, sponsored by Transport Canada in collaboration with Public Safety Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, will be conducted in two phases and could result in multiple grants.
No Canadian should have to wake up to discover that their means of getting to work, school, or the grocery store has been stolen.
Establishing the National Council for Reconciliation
Our government recognizes that the harmful legacy of residential schools continues to affect survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. In June 2022, we introduced Bill C-29, the National Council for Reconciliation Act, in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. In April 2024, this bill received Royal Assent and officially became Canadian law.
This legislation establishes a National Council for Reconciliation to fulfill Call to Action 53, respond to Call to Action 54, and lay the foundation to address Calls to Action 55 to 56. The Council, which will be representative of the diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and supported by nominations from the National Indigenous Organizations, will monitor, evaluate, and report on efforts to advance reconciliation and implement the Calls to Action.
Bill C-29 provides a framework for activities of the Council, including the development of a multi-year action plan to advance reconciliation, monitoring the policies, programs, and laws of the Government of Canada affecting Indigenous Peoples, and advocating for reconciliation in all sectors of Canadian society.
The Council will produce an annual report on the progress being made toward reconciliation across all levels of government and sectors of Canadian society. The report must be tabled in both the House of Commons and the Senate.
We are fully committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which together provide us with a roadmap to reconciliation.
