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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.