Feds consider temporary passport measures

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

******************* Martin delivers petitions to Passport Canada - government considers temporary measures for crisis

OTTAWA - Passport Canada is actively considering expediting its service through Service Canada in communities like Sault Ste. Marie by allowing documents to be immediately verified and returned to the applicant, Sault MP Tony Martin learned today.

This would also alleviate some of the inconvenience people experience while they are without important documents required for the application.

In a meeting here with Passport Canada Chief Executive Officer Gérard Cossette, Martin delivered 4,000 petition signatures, 19 municipal resolutions and 400 emails as part of his campaign calling for a full service passport office in Sault Ste. Marie serving Northeastern Ontario.

Martin also shared stories from seniors and other area residents chronicling long delays, lost documents and general frustration dealing with not having a full passport office.

Passport Canada officials say they are also looking at other options to make access easier including part-time, full service offices, traveling "road offices" and more online technology to certify passports.

"None of these measures are a permanent solution but they do need to happen promptly to help people," Martin said.

"We will continue our full press for a full service office in the Sault to serve Northeastern Ontario," he said.

"All Canadians deserve equal service but that's not the case for us in Northeastern Ontario."

"I also shared my concerns that Service Canada is taking on the delivery of more and more government programs without the necessary resources."

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