New passport services available in the Sault
As a backlog in processing passport applications continues, the federal government is adding new passport service locations across Canada.
Starting Aug. 17 people can apply for and pick up their passports at Sault Ste. Marie’s Service Canada office on Bay Street.
Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, made an announcement Wednesday that people can now pick up passports in person at four additional locations across Canada, including the Sault.
In addition to the existing passport offices offering pick-up service, Canadians can now both apply and request in-person pick-up of their passport at Service Canada Centres in the Sault, Red Deer, Alta., Trois-Rivieres, Que. and Charlottetown, P.E.I. Unlike the regular Service Canada Centres, these locations now offer 10-day service, which means that individuals can apply for a passport in one of the four locations and the passport will be available after 10 business days, either through in person pick-up or by mail.
Proof of upcoming travel is also required to get service within 45 days at offices with 10-day processing times, including those announced Wednesday.
There is an extra $20 fee to pick passports up in person.
“Service Canada is working tirelessly to identify and implement solutions that not only improve the speedy delivery of passports, but also improve the service experience for Canadians. We will continue to make our services more accessible for all Canadians,” said Gould in a news release.
About 1.1 million applications for renewed and new passports have been filed since April as Canadians have resumed travelling with pandemic restrictions loosened.
More than one-quarter of those hadn't yet been processed as of early this month.
For the week of August 8 to 14, Service Canada has issued 52,569 passports.
The expansion of pick-up sites will allow many Canadians who need to pick up passports to do so closer to their homes.
Service Canada has committed to providing passport services within 50km of the home of Canadians.
In response to demand, Service Canada added five new locations for passport services in late July; though none were in the north.
The agency also ramped up staffing levels, reporting 1,936 employees in its passport workforce in early August, up more than 150 from the month prior.
Gould told CTV News she is working on bringing passport services to additional offices and hopes to make more announcements soon.
For a full listing of services available from at the Sault Ste. Marie Service Canada Centre visit the Government of Canada's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.