New speedy passport service launches in Barrie
The federal government announced a new passport service in Barrie that will make getting a passport or renewing an expiring one more convenient.
"I'm happy to announce that 10-day passport pickup service has begun here in Barrie," said Maninder Sidhu, Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary.
Under the new system, anyone can get their passports in 10 days without an appointment.
Mark Grzenda with Service Canada said there is a 10-day service standard "if there are no complications with the file after it's submitted."
The delays and wait times at passport offices have been felt across the country. Service Canada has issued more than one million passports since April.
Sidhu noted the service would eliminate the need for Barrie residents and those in neighbouring communities to travel to passport offices in North York or Toronto.
Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley said he hopes the service works as it claims.
"There is still a backlog, but from what the parliamentary secretary said today, people should be able to come to the office and get their passports back in 10 days. Let's keep our fingers crossed that that turns out because up until today, it's been a bit of a fiasco."
Service Canada in Barrie is now among the 12 locations offering the speedier service by either pickup or mail. If by mail, Service Canada says to allow delivery within two to five additional days.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.