My last post was about Service Canada performance relative to it’s passport renewal service. This post is a different perspective on the service.

I really wonder why  it is such a complex service even as Service Canada labels it as a simplified process.

As far as I can tell, if you are renewing an active passport before expiry, in addition to updated photos, which makes sense, you also need to provide references and submit in person which does not make sense.

References Required/In Person Application

I have had an active passport for over 45 years, renewing as required before expiry.  It has always puzzled me the hoops needed to renew.

The core purpose of the passport is to prove Canadian citizenship.  I did that when I got my first one.  Thereafter unless my citizenship had been revoked  (due to false representation, fraud, knowingly concealing material circumstances) I am entitled to a Canadian passport.

Requiring two personal references (which cannot be family) proves nothing and is a waste of time, both for the applicant and service Canada.

We already know the passport holder is Canadian (based on the initial application) so renewal should be automatic with only submission of updated photos and personal characteristics needed (hair color, weight, height.). This can be done online with fees paid online as well.

There is no need for an application or rigorous form checking in person coupled with an archaic operational process. Just submit online with previous valid passport number and voila renewed passport is reissued.

Enormous Cost Savings

This small change would drastically reduce labour associated with renewals and could easily be automated to a large degree.

The beauty of this is the irrelevant in person application and reference checks are eliminated resulting in a much faster turn around and does nothing to impact the integrity of the passport.

The document attests that I am Canadian, which would be cancelled if my citizenship had been revoked, and for me a cumbersome waste of time on 5 or 10 year renewal is eliminated.

Not to mention the cost savings to all taxpayers.