Posted on: 13-03-04 23:47:55
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Mar. 13, 2004. 01:00 AM
New passport offices may ease GTA backlog
Experiencing long delays at the passport office? The end of the line is in sight.
The GTA is getting two new passport offices, among a long list of province-wide measures aimed at relieving long line-ups. One of the offices will be in Brampton, while a second will be somewhere east of Toronto, likely in Oshawa or Whitby.
Although they won't open before the end of the year, the government plans to handle the workload in the short term by bringing staff from regional offices to the GTA.
Liberal MP Gurbax Malhi (Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale) welcomed the announcement as vital for the region's burgeoning ethnic population — many of whom need passports and visas to visit their native countries. The new Brampton office would replace one that was closed in 2001.
"Foreign affairs assured us they would open the new office close to the end of December," Malhi said. "Most people, I think, will be pleased with this decision."
"This is better news than we expected," said Liberal MP Murray Calder (Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey), who has been demanding new measures from the federal government for nearly three years
In addition, post offices in at least 22 cities will be outfitted with receiving agents to handle passports. These agents, to be distributed across the province in stages, will be specially trained employees of Canada Post who will ensure that documentation is complete.
"That's often what causes the delays," said Richard McGuire, Calder's executive assistant. "People don't submit complete documentation and then it gets returned to that post office."
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"Change before you have to" : Jack Welch
If most of immigrants choose to live in or around Toronto(GTA), this is bound to happen.
No jobs, long queues for passports, delays in getting EI, delays in getting funds approved by HRDC for a course, delays in getting physician referrals, road tests and everything!
There is Canada beyond Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Markham too!
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Canada...another name for struggle in life!
Hey Buddy
Yes there is Canada beyond GTA but that Canada is worst than GTA with the exception of few cities. Still GTA is a batter option for new immigrants.
Thanks and regards.
Biomed
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"Change before you have to" : Jack Welch
Biomed,
Can you give specific examples of cities which are better than GTA?
I can work in factories and warehouses too, that is not a problem but at least that should be stable.
I am considering moving out from GTA, so those cities might just click for me.
Cities please! That would be a lot of help!
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Canada...another name for struggle in life!
1. Guelph
2. Kitchener/Waterloo
3. London
4. Calgary
5. Edmonton
Thanks a lot.
Is the list is based on job availability or overall better?
I do not yet have a car and was wondering how the public transit is in those cities particular Kitchener/Waterloo.
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Canada...another name for struggle in life!
