A post abut the PP offices busy-ness these days!
THIS from the passport site, about the influx of people applying for passports
Seeing the number of people applying in November, I can only imagine the numbers for December and January!!!
Quote:
News Release
December 20, 2006
Taking Measures to Reduce Line ups
Gatineau, Quebec - Due to the new U.S. requirements for air travel to the United States, Passport Canada is experiencing a sharp volume increase in passport applications in all of its offices. In November alone, Passport Canada received more than 355,000 applications - a 33 per cent increase compared to November 2005.
"Passport Canada is making every possible effort to meet the increase in demand while respecting its service standards," said Gérald Cossette, Passport Canada's Chief Executive Officer. "We are taking steps to reduce waiting times without jeopardizing the security and the integrity of the Canadian passport" he added.
Several measures have been implemented at all levels to reduce waiting times. Passport Canada offices across the country share their workload in order to maximize all available resources. New employees have been hired to meet clerical needs and regular employees are working overtime to process all applications. An extra shift has been added at print centres to maximize output.
To avoid congestion, delays, and waiting time at its offices, Passport Canada strongly recommends that Canadians send their applications by mail or bring their applications to a Service Canada or Canada Post receiving agent. A complete checklist identifying the steps in the passport application process, as well as the location of Passport Canada offices and Canada Post / Service Canada receiving agents, is available at www.passportcanada.gc.ca or by calling toll-free 1 800 567-6868.
Starting January 23, 2007, an American initiative will require travellers to the United States by air to carry a valid passport. Canadians can also travel with a NEXUS Air membership at a designated kiosk, instead of a passport. The NEXUS program offers simplified and expedited border crossing to frequent travellers.
For the time being, Canadians travelling to the United States by land and sea can continue to use documents such as birth certificates and drivers' licences, which provide proof of citizenship and identity, for at least another year.
Passport Canada is a Special Operating Agency of Foreign Affairs Canada. Its mission is to issue secure Canadian travel documents through authentication of identity and entitlement, facilitating travel and contributing to international and domestic security.
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