Conservatives Demand Answers on Passport Delays

Ottawa, ON - As the Canada Post strike continues to impact families and businesses, the Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, sent a letter to Immigration Minister Diab, demanding answers for the government's failure to get Canadians the documents they need:

"Dear Minister Diab,

"One week into the Canada Post strike, and millions are paying the price for Liberal mismanagement. While cards and packages sit idle, Canadians face even greater hurdles trying to obtain vital documents, such as citizenship certificates, passports and other essential documentation.

"MPs are receiving countless messages from frustrated constituents who are waiting for the vital documents they need to travel, obtain essential services or simply remain employed.

"Your government has had months to prepare for this postal strike - and your lack of action then is hurting Canadians now.

"My office has received vague and wholly unhelpful instructions from IRCC, which only stated that there will be disruptions and delays. Nowhere do they explain what steps they are taking to provide constituents with their vital documents.

"Canadians deserve answers for the chaos and uncertainty this lack of preparedness has caused. So on their behalf, I am asking:

• What is IRCC doing to mitigate the impact of the Canada Post strike on its clients?
• What is being done to ensure that vital documents will be received in a timely manner?
• What is being done to ensure the strike does not increase the backlog on an already strained, inefficient system?

"It is your responsibility to provide clarity and restore confidence to Canadians.

"I look forward to your prompt response."