Greg Rickford greets a family and explains the process for passport application completion.
 
Yesterday over 250 people attended the Passport Clinic held by Kenora MP Greg Rickford, his staff and volunteers. Greg was on site throughout the clinic which was held from 1 to 8 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion.
 
People were assisted with all aspects of their passport applications including form completion, photocopying of relevant documents, required passport photos, final checks of applications, submission and tracking of the applications to Passport Canada.
 
Some who attended had completed most of their applications prior to arriving, and others picked up applications and completed them on site. Local photographers, Colleen Serban and Tom Newell, were present and provided passport photo service to those requiring it.
 
“I was very pleased with the turnout at this clinic. It’s a great service to the constituents and I really enjoyed the opportunity to see many familiar faces and have a chance to speak with people,” said Rickford.
 
If people were not able to get out to the clinic yesterday, you can contact Greg Rickford’s Constituency Office at 468-2170 for assistance with your application. The turnaround time on applications is approximately four weeks. Priority processing is given to passport applications coming from the MP’s office.

As of June 1, 2009, Canadian adult citizens (16 and over) will be required to present one of the following valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:  a passport; a NEXUS card; a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or an Enhanced Driver's Licence (currently only available by in person application in Thunder Bay).