As travel resumes, delays in obtaining or renewing passports are skyrocketing, in part due to officials working from home.
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“We called, and we were hours and hours on hold. It took at least 70 times just to be on hold,” said Patricia Filiatrault and Martin Avet, who had difficulty obtaining their son’s passport in time.
The situation is spreading across the country. Some MPs say processing times are not getting better, they are getting worse.
Deputies are also inundated with complaints from travelers who fear not being able to leave in time.
“We have lots of files, there is a processing time of 60, 70, 75 days whereas normally it is between 10 and 14 days. People call us, they are worried,” explained NDP Deputy Leader Alexandre Boulerice.
Many public servants work from home, where part of the problem lies.
“Employees themselves are complaining about the situation because they are unable to provide good service to citizens,” said Luc Berthold, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Service Canada refused TVA Nouvelles’ interview requests.
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