Federal government to open four new passport collection locations nationwide as it struggles to manage long wait times and backlogs that have plagued the application process for months I am planning to
New application and pickup service available in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. Sucent. Marie, Ontario; Charlottetown, PEI; and Red Deer, Alta.
Those applying at these locations will be able to receive passports within 10 working days of her, said Karina Gould, her minister in charge of the passport system. , said Troyes at her press conference in Riviere.
"This will make life significantly easier for people applying for passports in these areas," she said.
Ottawa plans to add a 10-day requirement to '9 or 10' additional locations in the near future to meet the government's goal of providing passport services within 50 kilometers of most Canadians. Gould said it plans to offer hours.
Ottawa does not anticipate the extent of demand: Gould
The move to open new pick-up locations has prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to future travelers face An "unacceptable" situation to.
Services for processing applications and distributing passports Canada announced earlier this year that applications were "unprecedented" as Canadians eager to return to international travel flooded offices with applications. No surge,” he warned.
I didn't expect it," the ghoul said Wednesday.
During peak demand this spring, passport applications are said to have increased 40 times compared to pre-pandemic.
Mr. Gould said that "things have improved considerably" since June, when 281,055 applications were filed.
Ottawa has committed to hiring more workers and formed a dedicated task force to reduce wait times.
Despite these efforts, Canadians continue to report months of waiting to receive their passports. These delays have forced some families to cancel their travel plans.
Very long lines are also common at Service Canada stores. Applicants report taking extreme measures, including arriving at the Service Canada office before sunrise and standing in line.
According to the latest government figures, 1,092,560 applications have been submitted to Service Canada since April 1, during which time 748,784 passports have been filed. issued.
