Chatham, Ontario - Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent Essex, Dave Van Kesteren has sponsored a number of Passport Clinics at various locations throughout the riding this year to help constituents complete the documentation and obtain the necessary photographs to apply for or renew passports. 

The next and final one for 2010 is scheduled to take place in Chatham at Blessed Sacrament Church located at 145 Victoria Avenue on Wednesday, September 8 between the hours of 10am and 2pm. A photographer will be available to take photos. The cost for the two pictures is $18.07 (including tax) which they are happy to provide for both adult and children.
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT PASSPORTS ARE NOT ISSUED AT THIS CLINIC. Applications will be mailed to Passport Canada from the constituency office in Chatham at no charge the following Tuesday, September 14. This allows applicants several days to complete items outstanding from the clinic. Completed applications must be dropped at the King Street West office in Chatham no later than 4pm on Monday, September 13, to catch the free mailing.

There will be volunteers on hand to distribute the required application forms to renew a current passport or apply for the first time. Adult applicants (16 years old and older) pay $87.00. The costs for children are $37.00 (for a child 3 to 15 years of age) and $22.00 (for a child under 3 years old).

Payment must be included with your application. You can pay by certified cheque or money order payable to The Receiver General for Canada; or by major credit card (section on application to complete).

To speed up the process you may pick up an application at either a post office or one of Mr. Van Kesteren’s offices and have it completed in advance. You must bring with you a valid driver’s licence or health card. If you choose to mail your application you must also mail the ORIGINAL of your birth certificate or certificate 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. There is a section on the application for the guarantor to complete. The guarantor must also sign one of your two passport pictures and a copy (both sides) of your personal identification (driver’s licence or health card).

Further information is available by visiting the web site:  www.davevankesteren.ca or by calling either the Chatham Office (519-358-7555) or the Leamington Office (519-326-9655).