News Release

June 21, 2005

New Passport Canada Receiving Agents in Val D'Or and Baie Comeau, Quebec

Gatineau, Quebec - The Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) Centres in Val D'Or and Baie Comeau, Quebec, are now Receiving Agents for Passport Canada.

"This joint project between Passport Canada and HRSDC makes the passport application process more accessible to all Canadians," said Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew. "Opening Receiving Agents in Val D'Or and Baie Comeau will help meet the needs of Quebeckers, by broadening access to federal government services."

In cooperation with Passport Canada, HRSDC employees at this site are responsible for reviewing passport applications to ensure accuracy and completeness. Applications are forwarded to Passport Canada for examination and, if approved, the application is processed and the requested travel document is delivered to the applicant by courier services within 20 working days, not including mailing time. Final decisions on passport entitlement remain with Passport Canada.

"The extension of the passport receiving agent service to these communities is a concrete example of federal partners joining their efforts to improve service to Canadian citizens," said Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal. "By working together to make it easier for residents in these rural and northern communities to apply for passports, we are delivering on the Government of Canada's promise of convenient, integrated service to Canadians, wherever they live."

The HRSDC Val D'Or office is located at 400 Central Avenue, while the Baie Comeau office is at 235 Lasalle Boulevard on the second floor. The hours of operation at both HRSDC locations are from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, with the exception of Wednesday when office hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Passport applicants will find a complete checklist to help them identify the steps in the passport application process at www.pptc.gc.ca, or by calling our toll free line at 1 800 567-6868 or 1 800 O-Canada.

Passport Canada is a Special Operating Agency of Foreign Affairs Canada. Its mission is to facilitate travel for Canadians by delivering internationally respected travel documents that meet the highest security standards in the world.

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