Be Prepared: Apply for Your Passport

August 30, 2006

As we enter the final months of 2006, I would like to ensure that all constituents are aware of an important development in United States law affecting Canadian travellers. Starting January 8, 2007, you will require a passport to enter the U.S. by air or sea. The following year, January 2008, the requirement will also apply to land crossings.

The Canadian government continues to engage in active discussions with the U.S. government to consider alternative forms of identification that will maintain the added security this initiative seeks. However, time is running out. Therefore, I’m encouraging constituents and their family members to complete a passport application as soon as possible.

Often people spend thousands of dollars on their holiday plans only to risk leaving their passport application to the last minute or filing an incomplete or error-ridden application.

Here are a few guidelines to consider. I encourage constituents to carefully choose a photographer familiar with the extremely stringent guidelines for passport photos. You should also consider sending your application via courier in order to avoid losing your important identification documents through regular mail. If you choose to send copies of your ID, they must be certified by the same guarantor who certifies your photo and the application.

Other common mistakes that result in applications being rejected: signatures must NOT touch the outside border of the signature boxes! Each page must be signed by the applicant, and the date the guarantor signs cannot be BEFORE the applicant since the guarantor is supposed to witness your COMPLETED application.

Currently, the turnaround time is 20 working days for a mailed application (excluding mail time), but during the busy travel season and due to the new U.S. regulations, delays may occur. Delays may also occur if your name has changed more than once. We also see a number of credit card numbers declined. In other words, please check and be sure!

It’s best to apply in person at Passport Canada service locations. Passport applications can be obtained at Canada Post outlets, your travel agency, at my MP offices, or online at www.pptc.gc.ca. My office can review your application if you wish and forward it to the passport office on your behalf. However, MPs are no longer able to expedite passports. If your situation becomes urgent after mailing your application, please call my office and we will notify Passport Canada. If you have any questions, my toll-free line is 1-800-661-1183.

On a final note, I was very saddened this week by the tragic traffic accident death of Benoit Sauvageau, Member of Parliament for Repentigny. Mr. Sauvageau, a member of the Bloc Quebecois, was just 42 and leaves behind his wife and four young daughters.

It is the nature of politics that partisan rivalries among MPs are highlighted. Not widely recognized is the fact that we share solid working relationships, respect, and sometimes even good friendships with our colleagues from other political parties. Mr. Sauvageau and I both came to Ottawa together as new MPs in 1993. He was a dedicated representative for his constituents and he will be missed.