Canadian passport to be enhanced

Canadian citizens who apply for passports will receive enhanced passports containing an electronic chip in the near future. The chip is being introduced to increase security by reducing the risk of fraud and tampering.

In 2008, the Canadian government had announced plans to introduce enhanced passports, called e-passports, by 2011, but their issuance may be delayed to 2012 because the government plans to consult the Canadian public before rolling out the e-passports.

The chip will contain digital images of the holder as well as their personal information including their name, gender, and the date and place of their birth.

More than 60 countries already issue enhanced passports to their citizens.