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TO: All First Nation Citizens
DATE: May 7, 2009
FROM: Angus Toulouse, Ontario Regional Chief
RE: REQUIRED BORDER SECURITY DOCUMENTS

On May 4th, 2009 Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) advised all First Nation citizens that it is in their best interest to obtain alternative forms of cross border documents to access the Canadian/United States border. INAC had originally informed First Nations that the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status card would be available to First Nations by June 1, 2009. At this time INAC is not in a position to identify a specific date as to when the Secure Certificate of Indian Status will be available. Based on current information, commencing June 1, 2009, U.S. border officials may no longer accept the Certificate of Indian Status as a cross border document. At this point the documents that are accepted as cross border documents are as follows:

• Canadian Passport;
• Ontario – Enhanced Drivers Licence;
• Children under the age of 16 can present a birth certificate.

Both Angus Toulouse, Ontario Regional Chief and Grand Chief Tim Thompson of the Akwesasne Mohawk Council met with INAC on May 7, 2009 to ensure First Nation rights to freely cross the border continues in accordance with the Jay Treaty. We are working to ensure the Certificate of Indian Status card continues to be accepted as a cross border document and that an appropriate transition period occurs post the June 1, 2009 deadline. The Chiefs in Ontario offices will be sending out more current information next week. Please watch our website at www.coo.org for the most current information possible.

We have accelerated our lobby efforts and advocate for the following:

• Recognition that privacy is important to First Nation and that in some cases, the existing privacy laws and policies do not address all of the potential privacy risks associated with the new Status Card;
• Recognizing that First Nation maintain the right to determine their citizens regardless of residence and the right to issue documentation accordingly;
• Full engagement with First Nations must occur when any potential multi-function use of the SCIS card is contemplated (i.e. health care, provincial tax exemption etc...);
• Canada and the United States must continue to observe that the Jay Treaty is an agreement that guarantees First Nation border crossing rights on both sides of the border.

For more information please contact:

Nathan Wright, Justice Coordinator
Tel: (416) 597-1266 Toll-Free 1-877-517-6527

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Applying for a Canadian passport is a serious business – your Canadian passport is a secure and internationally respected travel document proving your identity and citizenship.

Here are the steps involved in applying for a Canadian passport:

1. Picking up or downloading a application form from any Passport Canada service location, Service Canada centre, or Canada post outlet: or by using passport On-line, available at www.passportcanada.gc.ca
2. Gathering all necessary items required for an application to be considered such as, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate), photo identification, two photo graphs (one signed by a guarantor) and the appropriate application fee.
3. Once the application is fully filled out and all supporting documents have been attached it is now ready for submitting, the application can be submitted in person at a passport Canada office or at a receiving agent or mailed to:
   • By mail to:
     Passport Canada
     Foreign Affairs Canada
     Gatineau, QC
     K1A 0G3
   • By courier to:
     Passport Canada
     70 Cremazie Street
     Gatineau, QC
     J8Y 3P2
      
4. The fees for a 24-page passport (in Canadian dollars) are as follows:
   * $87 for an adult (16 or over),
   * $37 for children ages 3 to 15, and
   * $22 for children under 3.

   * A 48-page passport for frequent travelers is also available – please note that different fees are applicable.

5. Passport Canada is dedicated to providing prompt, courteous service to Canadians. The following service standards have been developed as a way to ensure that a passport application is processed in a timely manner. Please note that the processing time does not include mailing time:

• Mail or courier – processing time is 20 working days;
• In person at a Passport Canada office – processing time is 10 working days;
  (an additional $15 fee is applicable);
• In person at a Service Canada Receiving Agent location – processing time is 20 working days.

If you still require additional information please visit www.passportcanada.gc.ca or call 1-800-567-6868.