Successful Passport Clinics To Continue

As I approach my first anniversary as your Member of Parliament, I would like to report back to you on the Passport Clinic initiative that my staff and I have undertaken to improve our service to you.

The purpose of these Passport Clinics is to make the sometimes intimidating process of obtaining a passport easier, and to reduce the number of errors that often slow down the production of a passport and cause enormous frustration for applicants.

To date, we have held eleven Passport Clinics in Lindsay (3), Millbrook, Cannington, Beaverton, Apsley, Fenelon Falls, Haliburton, Minden and Buckhorn.  Most of these were held on weekdays, but we have also experimented with evening and Saturday sessions in an effort to maximize access for you.

As it turns out, attendance at each clinic has made our efforts more than worthwhile, no matter how small the community. For example, turnout ranged from 75 people in Buckhorn and 100 in Apsley to more than 200 in Haliburton and 300 in Lindsay.

This positive response – especially when combined with the regular traffic coming through my Lindsay constituency office – has convinced me that you want and need this service. In response, I have decided to continue holding Passport Clinics in communities throughout the riding three times each year;

·        In September for those heading south for a winter trip.

·        In January for those preparing to take advantage of the March Break.

·        In April/May for those planning their summer vacation plans.

Dates and locations for these Passport Clinics have yet to be determined. Once these details are finalized, this information will be available on my website (www.barrydevolin.ca), in local newspapers and from my constituency office.

In addition to these clinics, passport applications can be picked up from my Lindsay constituency office and Canada Post offices. You can also find a link on my website for those who want to print an application off the Internet.

I believe that our Passport Clinics initiative has been a real success story. In fact, one of my colleagues from British Columbia was so impressed with the idea, that he has begun to run similar clinics in his riding, and has achieved similar success.

During last year’s election campaign I promised that serving my constituents would be my number one priority. Since my election, I have made every effort to do just that with new initiatives such as our Passport Clinics. Thank you for that opportunity.