ing passport prices sky rocket!

[Guest American Woman]

It's always relevant to ask whether we need the things we are being charged for and whether the fees accurately reflect the cost of providing them. Not to do so is just stupid. Do we really need a $225 passport? $250 if the present consular fee is tacked on. Some poor schmuck who has saved up to take his wife and two kids on a once in a life time trip to Disney World could be looking at $900 in passport fees, an even grand if the consular fee is added.

That's assuming they never use the passport again. With such a large percentage of the Canadian population living within 100/200 miles of the border, don't you think it's more than likely that the passports would be used multiple times within a ten year time span? That would make the cost of the passport per trip less than what it sounds like the way you presented it.

[Wilber]

That's assuming they never use the passport again. With such a large percentage of the Canadian population living within 100/200 miles of the border, don't you think it's more than likely that the passports would be used multiple times within a ten year time span? That would make the cost of the passport per trip less than what it sounds like the way you presented it.

For some yes but you would be surprised at how may Canadians rarely cross the border.

[Guest American Woman]

For some yes but you would be surprised at how may Canadians rarely cross the border.

Do you have any stats for that? I can't seem to find any .........

Edited September 20, 2011 by American Woman

[William Ashley]

That's assuming they never use the passport again. With such a large percentage of the Canadian population living within 100/200 miles of the border, don't you think it's more than likely that the passports would be used multiple times within a ten year time span? That would make the cost of the passport per trip less than what it sounds like the way you presented it.

this is not to say that passports don't get lost or stolden or damaged or in the new ones demagnitized or fried.

any of those things happen within 10 years you have to fork over the 200+ DOLLARS AGAIN

10 YEARS IS A LONG TIME FOR A PIECE OF PLASTIC

OR WHAT IF YOU TRAVEL, AND FILL IT?

OH AND THE NEW ONE ISN'T UP TO Date...

no biometrics such as fingerprints or iris

oh and kids have to get the 5 year version

e Passport Canada survey said about 55,000 Canadian passports were lost or stolen in 2008-2009. The country issued 4.38 million passports in the same period.

thats about 1 or 2 people in a hundred a signifigant number

put it this way 1 person on your block will have to get a new oneneach year

Edited September 20, 2011 by William Ashley

[Guest American Woman]

this is not to say that passports don't get lost or stolden or damaged or in the new ones demagnitized or fried.

any of those things happen within 10 years you have to fork over the 200+ DOLLARS AGAIN

I would expect people to use extreme care and caution in regards to their passports, minimizing damage and theft. If it's lost, the person didn't take very good care of it, and that's hardly the government's fault.

10 YEARS IS A LONG TIME FOR A PIECE OF PLASTIC

It's not a piece of plastic, and I've never had a problem taking care of my passport for ten years.

OR WHAT IF YOU TRAVEL, AND FILL IT?

If one travels so much that they fill it, then the cost per trip is minimal - and they've received a bargain. But if they do fill it, I imagine they can pay a much smaller fee to get more pages added - that's the way it works in the States.

[Wilber]

Do you have any stats for that? I can't seem to find any .........

Do you have any stats for it in the US?

[Guest American Woman]

Do you have any stats for it in the US?

No, I don't - but then I haven't made any claims about it. I was looking for information to back up your claim........

[Wilber]

Agreed.

This reasoning also applies to other non essential services, such as the entertainment produced by the CBC at massive cost to taxpayers. The difference of course it that passports are available from only one source, while entertainment is available from thousands of sources.

Why is it that passports are a break even proposition while CBC is a dead loss?

It's political. Government will subsidize rail, ferries and transit but aviation must generate revenue. Why? Poitical expeediency. CBC, the same.

[William Ashley]

I would expect people to use extreme care and caution in regards to their passports, minimizing damage and theft. If it's lost, the person didn't take very good care of it, and that's hardly the government's fault.

Your position sucks. It's not the person. People shouldn't have to live their life in a state of paranoia and idiocy just to maintain basic freedoms. It is a constitutional right in Canada to enter and leave Canada, as well as remain. The government has no right to put a price on a constitutional right.

"It's not a piece of plastic, and I've never had a problem taking care of my passport for ten years.

I'm guessing you don't actively travel. I like to get out and do things. I'm not going to leave my passport with a stranger who doesn't speak English. The cost of getting a safe deposit box in each place I stay also would cost more than the trip.

Paper gets wet with rain and other water. Sometimes a passport or local id is required for entry to some locations. I do things when I travel. I din't want to shelve out $200+ everytime I get stuck somewhere during rainy season.

If one travels so much that they fill it, then the cost per trip is minimal - and they've received a bargain. But if they do fill it, I imagine they can pay a much smaller fee to get more pages added - that's the way it works in the States.

BS, First off I shouldn't be paying for my constitution rights, second off the loosers that created this system in wwI have nithing to do with me. I'm not a soildier and my universal rights of mobility should not be infringed. The sorry state the world has become is shamefull.

Also you can fill a passport quick as the good place to travel like the EU and Latin America have many countries in close proximalty.

Not everyone is a business class or eesort traveller, some people actoually visit the place.

Edited September 20, 2011 by William Ashley

[William Ashley]

I would expect people to use extreme care and caution in regards to their passports, minimizing damage and theft. If it's lost, the person didn't take very good care of it, and that's hardly the government's fault.

Your position sucks. It's not the person. People shouldn't have to live their life in a state of paranoia and idiocy just to maintain basic freedoms. It is a constitutional right in Canada to enter and leave Canada, as well as remain. The government has no right to put a price on a constitutional right.

"It's not a piece of plastic, and I've never had a problem taking care of my passport for ten years.

I'm guessing you don't actively travel. I like to get out and do things. I'm not going to leave my passport with a stranger who doesn't speak English. The cost of getting a safe deposit box in each place I stay also would cost more than the trip.

Paper gets wet with rain and other water. Sometimes a passport or local id is required for entry to some locations. I do things when I travel.

If one travels so much that they fill it, then the cost per trip is minimal - and they've received a bargain. But if they do fill it, I imagine they can pay a much smaller fee to get more pages added - that's the way it works in the States.

BS, First off I shouldn't be paying for my constitution rights, second off the loosers that created this system in wwI have nothing to do with me. I'm not a soildier and my universal rights of mobility should not be infringed. The sorry state the world has become is shamefull.

Also you can fill a passport quick as the good places to travel like the EU and Latin America have many countries in close proximalty.

Not everyone is a business class or resort traveller. Some people actually travel and visit the real places.

This is a socially catastrophic position that rends the life out of the free world. The ability of the finacially disenfranchised to experience the real effects of things, the real lives ôf the masses of the world.

Instead only the fascists and hedonists are given liberty of travel, that is a death to freedom.

It is class warfare and amputation for the youth. Passports based on income are far fairer but still a crime.

Edited September 20, 2011 by William Ashley

[Guest American Woman]

Also you can fill a passport quick as the good place to travel like the EU .....

You do realize the EU doesn't require a passport between countries, right? Not that I would know, of course. Since I've managed not to lose or damage my passport, or have it stolen, obviously I don't travel.

And once again ... a passport is not plastic. Even in Canada.

[guyser]

Your position sucks. It's not the person. People shouldn't have to live their life in a state of paranoia and idiocy just to maintain basic freedoms.

What the hell you talking about willis?

It is a constitutional right in Canada to enter and leave Canada, as well as remain.

No it isnt.

The government has no right to put a price on a constitutional right.

They arent, nor have they.

You are confused mr dinnerplate!

I'm guessing you don't actively travel. I like to get out and do things. I'm not going to leave my passport with a stranger who doesn't speak English. The cost of getting a safe deposit box in each place I stay also would cost more than the trip.

Paper gets wet with rain and other water. Sometimes a passport or local id is required for entry to some locations. I do things when I travel. I din't want to shelve out $200+ everytime I get stuck somewhere during rainy season.

1- I do, not so much as I would like

2- Me too, go away every weekend

3-me neither , but I will leave it w a stranger who DOES speak English, doesnt everyone? How about keeping it on you? There are these things called dry bags. They work , keeps the doobie dry on camping trips!

4-See #3

5-See #3

BS, First off I shouldn't be paying for my constitution rights,

You arent, unless somewhere in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms you can show us where itstates you have to pay for this. Im guessing you wont be able to.

[Wilber]

No, I don't - but then I haven't made any claims about it. I was looking for information to back up your claim........

Lots of Canadians visit the US regularly, I'm one of them. I also know lots who rarely visit the US. Just because a majority of Canadians live within two hundred miles of the border doesn't mean they are all flitting across it regularly. I know people who rarely leave the Vancouver area let alone go to another country. It's a big deal for them to drive 40 miles up the valley to where I live. Bet there are a lot of Americans who are like that. A lot of people in places like Edmonton are unlikely to visit the US except for a winter vacation. Fortunately there are enhanced drivers licenses available but if they are flying, they are SOL. A $250, 5 year passport would cost them $50 a vacation in passport fees.

[bush_cheney2004]

... Fortunately there are enhanced drivers licenses available but if they are flying, they are SOL. A $250, 5 year passport would cost them $50 a vacation in passport fees.

Right, but if they are flying, that's less than some baggage fees. Is the issue really a measley $200 - $250 every 5 - 10 years? If so, they can't afford a vacation, let alone flying somewhere to enjoy it.

I really don't see the big deal...if you want to travel internationally, that usually requires a passport...whatever the cost.

[Wilber]

Right, but if they are flying, that's less than some baggage fees. Is the issue really a measley $200 - $250 every 5 - 10 years? If so, they can't afford a vacation, let alone flying somewhere to enjoy it.

I really don't see the big deal...if you want to travel internationally, that usually requires a passport...whatever the cost.

For a couple of people who pay $135 for a ten year passport, you and AW sure seem concerned about what Canadians pay. Why don't you petition your own government to bump your rates up to $250 for a five year passport and let Canadians worry about their own fees? After all, you are not paying them.

[bush_cheney2004]

For a couple of people who pay $135 for a ten year passport, you and AW sure seem concerned about what Canadians pay. Why don't you petition your own government to bump your rates up to $250 for a five year passport and let Canadians worry about their own fees? After all, you are not paying them.

Ok...I'm just going to enjoy the momentary role reversal...even though I don't care what you (or Americans) pay for a passport. It is worth it just to have you tell me to butt out of Canadian business, even if the same can't be said for other members and what happens in America!

The difference is $115...please tell me that some Canadians aren't that cheap.

[Wilber]

Ok...I'm just going to enjoy the momentary role reversal...even though I don't care what you (or Americans) pay for a passport. It is worth it just to have you tell me to butt out of Canadian business, even if the same can't be said for other members and what happens in America!

The difference is $115...please tell me that some Canadians aren't that cheap.

I never had any illusions about you butting out, I just wonder why you are here.

To date we have no ten year passports in Canada although they are supposed to be made an option sometime in the future. The cost of the option has not been determined. The $220 for the new chipped passport is for a 5 year document. There is also a $25 consular fee that non diplomatic Canadians pay. Two five year passports at $250 adds up to $500 over the life of your 10 year passport. My arithmetic says that is a $365 difference, not $115.

[Guest American Woman]

I think you're jumping the gun getting upset over something that hasn't even been determined yet. The article refers to "diplomatic passports" and states that the price for citizens' passports has yet to be determined. The article also states that ten year passports are under consideration. So really, you should just wait and see what happens - it may not be nearly as bad as you are making it out to be.

And nice discussing this issue with you too, neighbor ........

[bush_cheney2004]

....The $220 for the new chipped passport is for a 5 year document. There is also a $25 consular fee that non diplomatic Canadians pay. Two five year passports at $250 adds up to $500 over the life of your 10 year passport. My arithmetic says that is a $365 difference, not $115.

OK...I will defer to your sharper passport math skills, but the Americans have additional option fees as well. Maybe this just falls into the general "Why do Canadians pay more than 'merkins" for most things bucket. It seems to be a constant irritant.

Hey, I wonder after reading the IRS clawback thread if dual citizens have to present TWO passports!

[Wilber]

I think you're jumping the gun getting upset over something that hasn't even been determined yet. The article refers to "diplomatic passports" and states that the price for citizens' passports has yet to be determined. The article also states that ten year passports are under consideration. So really, you should just wait and see what happens - it may not be nearly as bad as you are making it out to be.

And nice discussing this issue with you too, neighbor ........

Wrong. If there is no push back, you can bet your backside they will be $250. Now is exactly the time to get excited.

[Wilber]

OK...I will defer to your sharper passport math skills, but the Americans have additional option fees as well. Maybe this just falls into the general "Why do Canadians pay more than 'merkins" for most things bucket. It seems to be a constant irritant.

Hey, I wonder after reading the IRS clawback thread if dual citizens have to present TWO passports!

What options, a passport card. We aren't even offered that option. The only options we are offered is to pay more for quicker delivery. Today's quicker delivery is longer than regular delivery ten years ago. You also get a $25 break on renewals. Canadians pay the full shot each time.

Yes it is a constant irritant when you are paying more than "merkins" for most things. Try it some time.

As for the latter, you would have to ask the IRS. I have to admit, taxing on citizenship is not something I envy about your system. Canadians are taxed on residence.

[Wilber]

What I would like to know is how it costs $160 bucks to put a chip in a passport. Something just doesn't seem right.

[Smallc]

Wrong. If there is no push back, you can bet your backside they will be $250. Now is exactly the time to get excited.

Ummm, how do you know? I've already shown you that Passport Canada only breaks even. That means that passports will be priced accordingly.

[bush_cheney2004]

What options, a passport card. We aren't even offered that option. The only options we are offered is to pay more for quicker delivery....

Yea..we can pay $12.75 for faster delivery, or $60 for express processing (2 - 4 weeks). Visa pages cost more too.

Yes it is a constant irritant when you are paying more than "merkins" for most things. Try it some time.

No thanks, but just remember, your health care is "free".

As for the latter, you would have to ask the IRS. I have to admit, taxing on citizenship is not something I envy about your system. Canadians are taxed on residence.

Well then why do continental Canadians bitch and moan when Canadians of convenience want to be rescued from Lebanon?

[Wilber]

Ummm, how do you know? I've already shown you that Passport Canada only breaks even. That means that passports will be priced accordingly.

Then why are they charging that much now?