MP warns of Passport Canada changes
By Alex Atamanenko MP
Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko is warning residents that passport requirements for children are changing – and they’re changing soon.
“As of Dec. 1, Passport Canada will be requiring that applications for children under 16 years of age be accompanied by further proof of parentage documentation,” said Atamanenko.
“I want to remind constituents of this so there are no last-minute surprises and they will have time to apply for new birth certificates listing both parents, should they currently not have such a certificate,” he added.
Effective Dec. 1, parents or legal guardians must provide, with their child’s passport application, a detailed government birth certificate, naming both parents, or an order of adoption naming the adoptive parents. Certain other requirements may also apply.
All legal documents that refer to custody, the mobility of, or access to the child must be provided. If a divorce has been granted, a copy of the divorce judgment or order must also be provided. If a separation agreement exists, it must also be provided with the application.
“There are some exceptions,” said Atamanenko, adding that if a passport has previously been issued to the child in his or her name, it is still valid or expired for less than one year, and it is included in the new application, this will be acceptable.
“It is now about five years since the new passport regulations started to be introduced, and my offices are seeing an increase in applicants who are renewing their five-year passports,” said Atamanenko.
“I note that the government is promising to introduce an enhanced ten-year passport by 2013, which is something I have been recommending for a while, and constituents have been asking for,” he added.
“However, I would encourage anyone with questions or concerns about increased fees, and the implementation of this new higher-security electronic passport to visit Passport Canada’s website page and provide feedback to the government,” he said. The site is at: http://www.ppt.gc.ca/articles/20111110.aspx?lang=eng
Atamanenko said he just became aware of the proposed changes himself, posted recently on-line, with the consultation ending Nov. 23. “It is not a widely-known nor long consultation,” he said, “having only apparently been launched on Nov. 10.”
“My offices in Castlegar and Oliver would be happy to assist with any questions about applications,” he said. Passports are required for travel to the U.S. by land, sea or air. Constituents can call 1-800-667-2393 or visit his website for passport information as well: www.alexndp.ca .
There are also three other offices that people can visit:
Kelowna: Passport Canada issuing office: Capri Centre, 1835 Gordon Drive, Suite 110, (Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Nelson: A NEW LOCATION: Service Canada Passport Receiving Agent: Chahko Mika Mall (by the lake), 1125 Lakeside Drive (Mon. – Fri. 8:30 to 4:00 p.m.).
Penticton: Service Canada Passport Receiving Centre: 386 Ellis Street, Suite 101, (Mon. – Fri. 8:30 to 4:00 p.m.).
Constituents can also phone Passport Canada at 1-800-567-6868, or go to their website: www.pptc.gc.ca for more information. .
Applications can be picked up at any post office, at Atamanenko’s Constituency Offices, at any Service Canada location, or downloaded from the Passport Canada website.
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