Service Canada is adding a passport pickup location in Moncton to help address an ongoing crisis that has people waiting months for their documents. But you must have proof of travel.
The new location is one of four that will be added across the country, including Alberta, Quebec and the Yukon, in addition to eight slots previously announced.
Prior to Friday’s announcement, Fredericton was the only location in New Brunswick offering in-person pickup.
Unlike regular Service Canada passport offices, these new locations will offer 10-day service.
This means that “Canadians can apply for a passport at any of these locations and the passport will be available within 10 business days, either by mail or by in-person pickup. If Canadians need their passports in less than 10 business days, they should go to a passport office that offers an express or urgent pick-up service,” the statement said.
Fredericton remains the only location in the province that offers express and urgent passport pickup, as the center has the ability to print documents on site.
“Service Canada is committed to continuing its efforts to reduce delays in issuing Canadian passports and to improve the delivery of government services,” said Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, in a communicated.
“We will continue to identify gaps and areas for improvement to ensure Canadians receive the highest quality of service.”
Service Canada said it hopes these locations will reduce wait times as it continues to deal with the unprecedented demand for passports that began last spring.
This demand fell in September, with more than 50% fewer requests, so far, compared to August.
Service Canada said it has issued more than one million Canadian passports since April 1, 2022.
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