News Release

New measures implemented by the Passport Office

OTTAWA - December 10, 2001 - The Government of Canada today announced $7 million in immediate funding for enhanced passport security measures, including technology for expanded background checks and a new, high security passport booklet. The funding will reinforce the more stringent application and renewal processes already put in place by the Passport Office following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. The measures include:

• the immediate hiring and training of additional passport staff;
• further enhanced background and guarantor checks;
• a revised application form including employment and residential history;
• the posting of security guards and cameras at all passport offices;
• the establishment of an on-line data verification process with the provinces;
• the development of a biometrics pilot project using facial recognition;
• a requirement for children to have their own passports; and
• improved passport renewal verification procedures.

"The government is committed to maintaining the Canadian passport as one of the most secure travel documents in the world," said John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Public Security and Anti-Terrorism. "We have been working for several years to implement a new fraud-resistant passport book and new security systems to equip our passport officers with the best tools for screening new and renewing applicants".

The new measures announced today build on existing initiatives which include:

• the development of a high-security passport booklet with embedded photos, holograms, "crystagram" printing and other security features;
• the implementation of an on-site, on-line identification and retrieval information system (IRIS®) for passport officers;
• enhanced applicant background and guarantor checks; and
• discussions with provincial governments about the introduction of measures to improve the security of documentation required for passport applications.

In order to implement these new measures, the government is putting in place, starting December 11, 2001, a new fee schedule for passport services.

The new fees are:

• Children under three years of age: $20. The passport will be valid for a maximum of three years;
• Children three to 15 years of age : $35. The passport will be valid for a maximum of five years;
• Adult passport (16 years old and over) : $ 85. The passport will be valid for a maximum of five years.

The adult fee above continues to include the special consular fee introduced in 1995.