June 8, 2007

Speech from the Hon. Peter MacKay on the introduction of the simplified passport renewal program.

Good afternoon,

I am pleased to announce today that the Government of Canada is taking steps to expedite the passport issuing process while ensuring the security of this vital document.

The new measures include:

• A Simplified Passport Renewal Program allowing Canadians who currently hold a valid passport, and who meet eligibility criteria, to be able to renew it without submitting proof of citizenship or a guarantor declaration.
• A Simplified Guarantor Policy which will allow most Canadian adult passport holders to act as guarantors for first time applicants.
• A Series of Passport Clinics across the country with a special focus on border areas and areas far from large urban centres. Passport officers will be on site to answer questions from the public about applying for a passport, review passport applications to ensure they are complete and will accept completed passport applications for processing.

These measures are part of a broader effort by Canada's New Government to modernize Canadian passport services and increase its capacity to better meet demand. Measures include:

• Launching a staffing campaign to fill hundreds of new full-time positions;
• Extending office hours where warranted, such as Montreal, Pointe Claire, Whitby, Brampton and Vancouver;
• Opening of 65 additional Receiving Agents in border and rural communities at participating Canada Post and Service Canada centres;
• Moving some operations to larger facilities to accommodate new personnel and increase its capacity;
• Expanding existing office space where facilities permit;
• Adding an evening production shift in certain locations, to accelerate the processing of applications; and
• Modernizing technology and streamlining processes.

The demand for passports by Canadians has never been greater. Though Passport Canada has seen a steady increase in applications since September 11, 2001, the last seven months have brought an unprecedented surge.

In 2001-2002, 1.7 million passports were issued. For 2007-2008, Passport Canada forecasts it will issue at least 4 million passports, and that close to 50 per cent of the Canadian population will hold a valid passport.

The organization issued 3.6 million passports in 2006-2007, some 500 000 more than the previous record-breaking year.

Although the demand remains high, the measures implemented so far are paying off. Nationwide, the situation has already improved, producing 40% more than the same time last year. The backlog continues to decrease, our passport offices are meeting their service standards, and there are fewer line-ups -- where they still exist, they are cleared rapidly.

With today's announcement, the Government of Canada is preparing for the future. We remain committed to ensuring that Canadians receive the highest standard of passport services.

Thank you.