Federal task force aims to address Canadian passport, immigration application delays

The federal government has created a special task force to help tackle major delays with immigration applications and passport processing that have left Canadians frustrated.

In a statement announcing the new task force, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government knows the delays are unacceptable.

“We will continue to do everything we can to improve the delivery of these services in an efficient and timely manner, and this new task force will help guide the work of the government to better meet the changing needs of Canadians and continue to provide them with the high-quality services they need and deserve,” Trudeau said.

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Ten cabinet members will spearhead the new committee, which will review how services are delivered and identify gaps and areas for improvement.

The committee will be expected to make recommendations outlining short- and longer-term solutions that would reduce wait times, clear out backlogs, and improve the overall quality of services provided.

In addition, the task force will monitor external issues, such as labour shortages around the world, which contribute to travel delays at home and abroad.

The prime minister’s statement acknowledges that, as pandemic recovery continues, delays in delivery of such services have grown to levels that are “far from acceptable.”

To help manage lines and deliver passports more quickly, some specialized passport sites in the greater #Montreal, #Toronto and #Vancouver areas will begin new triaging approaches based on travel plans.

Full statement https://t.co/whYeZfidbz

— Passport Canada (@PassportCan) June 24, 2022

The backlog has put many people in uncertain situations, with some travellers receiving their passports just mere days or hours before their planned trips. In many cases, people have had to change their travel plans because of the delay in getting their passport.

Earlier in June, the federal government began posting estimated wait times for visits to Service Canada passport offices, with updates being pushed three times a day.