IRCC Minister Transition Binder 2023: Passport Modernization and Sustainability of the Passport Revolving Fund (PRF)

Issue

• The Passport Program has withstood a significant amount of public scrutiny, in large part due to service issues dating from spring and summer 2022, as well as recent announcements related to the launch of a new passport design and modernization projects rolling out this year. In particular, the launch of the online passport application (Passport Digital Services [PDS]) this fall is expected to garner parliamentary, public and media attention.
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State of Play

• The Passport Program, in partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC), is moving away from a largely paper-based model and advancing its modernization/transformation agenda. This includes improving the service experience for Canadians and reducing delivery costs by leveraging digital solutions.
• The PDS project will provide eligible Canadians with a digital service channel, including an online passport application with digital photo upload and online payment. This new channel will allow for a more rapid response to volume fluctuations and facilitate workload distribution across the network. Phased deployment is planned to begin in fall 2023 for [Redacted]. The online application deployment is dependent on the successful roll-out of the new passport issuance platform by 2024, in partnership with ESDC.
• The ePassport Next Generation (ePPT-NG) program includes deploying new passports with state-of-the-art security features and new modern laser engraving printers with increased capacity, starting in Canada and then abroad. Onboarded sites successfully launched in [Redacted] over the weekend of June 16 and in [Redacted] over the weekend of July 7. The new passport is now in circulation and more print sites will be onboarded as deployment continues across Canada.
• Following the new passport unveiling on May 10, 2023, there has been considerable parliamentary, public and media attention. [Redacted]
• Passport volumes are expected to increase this summer as the first cohort of 10­year renewal clients begin to renew their passports. Passport demand has remained within the planning ranges of the forecast so far this fiscal year.
• The Passport Program operates on a full cost-recovery basis supported by revenues. [Redacted]. The Revolving Fund Act prohibits the program from being in a deficit situation, with legal implications for authorizations of expenditures while in such a situation.
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Key Messages

• Moving forward with the modernization agenda continues to be a priority for the Passport Program. Improving productivity and leveraging automation and online solutions remain the most concrete solutions to stabilizing the program and responding to future volume fluctuations.
• PDS: Canadians will be able to renew their passport online starting in fall 2023. Canadians can continue to submit their application for renewal at any time through existing mail-in and walk-in channels. More information on eligibility is to come.
• ePPT-NG: On May 10, 2023, Canada unveiled the new passport with state-of-the-art security features. Canada is committed to protecting the security and integrity of all its travel documents, including the Canadian passport.

Next Steps

• You will be briefed on the status of modernization projects, including online applications prior to launching in the fall. The program will continue to monitor integrated project timelines and implement change management plans.
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Background

• A backlog was created when passport demand returned in spring 2022 with travel restrictions being lifted following the pandemic. IRCC developed and implemented policy and program guidance measures to provide support. ESDC returned to service standard for new applications (in October 2022) and eliminated the backlog (in January 2023).
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• As of June 15, 2023, more than 26.9M passports are in circulation. Approximately 68% of all Canadians hold a valid passport.
• As of June 20, 2023, 845K passport applications were received in fiscal year (FY) 2023–2024. The FY 2023–2024 forecast (at mid-point) calls for 4.89M passport applications.