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

One in custody after police standoff in Vancouver

Police say around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, staff at a bank near Main Street and East Pender Street called 911 to report a robbery. When officers arrived, they spotted the suspect attempting to take off in a cab.

One in custody after police standoff in Vancouver

B.C. in climate pact with U.S. West Coast states

The statement of co-operation also aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and to protect communities from climate disasters including droughts, wildfires and heat waves. The four jurisdictions have differing climate agendas but share the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions at least 80 per cent by 2050.

B.C. in climate pact with U.S. West Coast states

Wildfire in Metro Vancouver park now under control

A statement from the district says a 50-person firefighting crew has established a 15-metre "wet line" around the perimeter of the fire in Coquitlam's Minnekhada Regional Park, preventing any further spread. It says ground crews are now focused on dousing remaining hot spots.

Wildfire in Metro Vancouver park now under control

Opposition BC Liberals call for MLA pay freeze

The Opposition BC Liberals are calling for an all-party pay freeze as a show of solidarity with people struggling to make ends meet during inflationary times. Liberal house leader Todd Stone says members of the legislature could be in line for a salary increase in April of 10 per cent or more, amounting to raises of at least $10,000.

Opposition BC Liberals call for MLA pay freeze

B.C. pharmacists welcome new prescription powers

As the changes are rolled out, B.C. pharmacists said the smoothness of the transition will depend on the reimbursement model, staffing supports and whether there's an added administrative burden. Like many health professionals, pharmacists have faced burnout and labour shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

B.C. pharmacists welcome new prescription powers

Canada confirms 1,406 monkeypox cases

Of the confirmed cases, 674 are from Ontario, 521 from Quebec, 162 from British Columbia, 41 from Alberta, three from Saskatchewan, two from the Yukon and one each from Nova Scotia, Manitoba and New Brunswick, the health agency added on Wednesday.