News Releases

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31, 2005

Gatineau, Quebec – Passport Canada continues to take steps to ensure the Canadian passport maintains its international reputation as a highly respected travel document, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Correctional Service Canada.

“This MOU is the result of hard work between two Government of Canada departments, and will provide Passport Canada with immediate, electronic information on all individuals either incarcerated or on parole, who may not be eligible for passport services,” said Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs. “This agreement represents another milestone in information sharing to strengthen public safety," added Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Passport Canada has already taken several steps to strengthen the passport application entitlement process. As of February 2004, Passport Canada has begun to input lost and stolen passport data directly into the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). Law enforcement officials and select government departments and agencies have 24/7 access to lost and stolen passport information.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Passport Canada enhanced their information sharing arrangement related to lost and stolen Canadian passports in June 2004. Access to this information gives CBSA front-line officers the ability to immediately verify the authenticity of travel documents presented for entry into Canada. Lost and stolen passports are also immediately deactivated by Passport Canada.

As of September 2004, Passport Canada also provides Interpol with information on lost or stolen passports. Created in 1923, Interpol is the world's largest international police organization with 182 member countries. It facilitates cross border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.

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.