Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent Essex Dave Van Kesteren has announced that again this year a number of passport clinics will be held throughout the riding. Volunteers at the clinics help constituents complete the documentation and obtain photographs necessary to apply for or renew passports.

The first in 2010 is scheduled in the Ballroom at the Wheels Inn in Chatham on Wednesday, April 7 from 10:00AM – 2:00PM. A photographer will be on site. The cost of the mandatory two pictures is $18.07 (including tax).

PLEASE NOTE THAT PASSPORTS ARE NOT ISSUED AT OUR CLINICS.

Applications will be mailed to Passport Canada from the constituency office in Chatham at no charge the following Tuesday, April 13. This allows applicants several days to complete any outstanding items. Completed applications must be dropped at the Chatham Office, 6 King Street West no later than 5PM on Monday, April 12 to catch the free mailing.

There will be staff on hand to distribute application forms to renew an expiring passport or to apply for the first time. Adult applicants (16 years of age or older) pay $87.00. The cost for children between the ages of 3 and 15 is $37.00. The cost for children under 3 years of age is $22.00.

Payment must be included with your application by either certified cheque or money order payable to The Receiver General for Canada; or by major credit card (there is a section on the application to complete).

To speed up the process pick up an application at either the post office or at Mr. Van Kesteren’s office and have it completed prior to arrival at the clinic. If you choose to complete your application at the clinic there will be staff on hand to help. You must bring with you a valid driver’s licence or health card. If you choose to mail in your application or have the MP’s office do it for you, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MAIL THE ORIGINAL OF YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR YOUR PROOF OF CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP. New applicants need a guarantor who is a person with a valid passport who has known you for at least two years and who can identify you. The guarantor is required to complete a section on your application and sign one of your passport pictures and a copy of your personal ID (driver’s licence, health card)

Further information is available by contacting the Chatham constituency office at 519-358-7555.