Canadian Government announces new task force to improve passport wait times and backlogs

Hon’ble Prime Minister of Canada announced new task force to improve government services on Saturday, June 25. Information was shared via a news release.  According to the news release, delays in immigration applications and passport processing are unacceptable, and the government is urgently working to resolve them.

The task force will be a Committee of 10 Cabinet ministers. And, they will review service delivery, identify gaps, and areas for improvement. Furthermore, they will provide recommendations to ensure that Canadians receive the highest quality of service. Additionally, Ministers of IRCC, Transport, and Social Development will act as ex-officio members of this new task force.

The task force will drive action in the following areas:

• Improve passport and immigration application processing by identifying priority areas.
• Provide short- and long-term solutions to reduce wait times and clear immigration and passport backlogs.
• with rising labour shortages causing air travel delays at the airports, the task force will also monitor the situation at Canadian airports.
• Assist Canadians in improving the quality of their services.

“We know service delays, particularly in recent months, 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.”

Justin P.J. Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada