Frustration grows at passport offices as Canadians begin to travel again
There was much frustration at the downtown Toronto passport office on Tuesday as people waited hours, and in some cases days, to get their passport renewed.
At 74 Victoria Street, there are two lines on opposite sides of the doors. Those with appointments, which are required, and those who want to walk-in.
"Walk-in services can only be offered to clients travelling within the next two days. Proof of travel or need is required," Passport Services told CTV News Toronto.
Nathan Degoui is flying to Paris on Thursday, and lined up for a walk-in on Monday only to be turned away.
"I am getting nervous," he told CTV News Toronto on his second day in the line. "I came yesterday at around 1 p.m. and they said 'No way you are getting in,' so I came today at 8 a.m. and still been waiting here all day and not sure I’m going to get in."
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a news release Tuesday that as COVID-19 restrictions ease “the demand for passports—both new and renewals—has started to increase and is returning to pre-pandemic levels.”
Niko Ducharme was able to get a passport on Tuesday, but said it has been a frustrating experience.
"I applied for a passport about two months ago by mail, you can’t phone in for 20 days, so I waited 20 days, phoned and when you phone you are on hold for two and half hours, there are 575 callers ahead of you," he said.
Shortly before the passport office closed for the day, Degoui was given an appointment for Wednesday, the day before his trip to France, but not before having to come to the office three days in a row.
“I’m still upset I couldn’t get it today, obviously waited quite a long time, that’s okay. Better than nothing better than not getting it. I still get to go to Paris, so that’s good.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada added that Canadians can now use the simplified process to renew an expired passport as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. That process is also available to residents who have had their passport lost, stolen or damaged.
"With the simplified renewal process, applicants don’t need to have a guarantor or to provide their original documents, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification," a spokesperson said. "They simply need 2 photos, 2 references, their completed form and the applicable fees. These changes make renewing a passport easier, while maintaining the highest level of program integrity."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.