Hong Kong – Two final additional performances of dance drama “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting” to address overwhelming response

Two final additional performances of dance drama “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting” to address overwhelming response

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  The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the dance drama “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting” by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group in January next year. Due to the overwhelming public response, tickets for the three previously available performances of the production were sold out swiftly. In lights of the views given to the LCSD, two final additional performances have been arranged and details are as follows:
 
Date and time: January 6, 2024 (Saturday), 2.30pm
        January 7, 2024 (Sunday), 7.30pm
Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Prices: $200, $320, $420, $520 and $620
 
  The “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting” was produced by the Palace Museum, China Oriental Performing Arts Group and People’s Daily Online, with Zhou Liya and Han Zhen as chief directors. It was inspired by “A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains”, a classic painting housed at the Palace Museum, which was created by genius young painter Wang Ximeng during the Song dynasty and is the only extant work by Wang. The prestigious national performing arts group will unveil the 1 000-year-old elegance of Song-style aesthetics and celebrate the fine traditional culture of China with the art of contemporary performance. By adopting a narrative structure that interweaves space and time, the dance drama tells the story of a researcher from the Palace Museum to travel back in time to witness the moment when Wang was about to finish the work. The researcher guides the audience to accompany Wang through the precious time he spent painting the “A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains”, providing them to establish the sentimental bond between the Chinese cultural relic and modern-day people.
 
  Tickets for the additional performances will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from December 12 (Tuesday). Each person can purchase a maximum of two tickets each time on the first day of ticket sales and a maximum of four tickets each time from the second day onwards. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/programs_1642.html.
      
     A dance masterclass (in Putonghua) will be organised, in which lead dancers will introduce concept of the programme, teach dance movements and techniques, suitable for those aged 16 and above with some dance experience. It will be held at 2.30pm on January 4 (Thursday) at rehearsal room GR1, Grand Theatre Backstage, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $180 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from December 12 (Tuesday).

     Moreover, a pre-performance talk (in Cantonese) will be organised, in which Dr Raymond Tang, Curator of Hong Kong Heritage Museum, will introduce the painting “A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains”. The talk entitled “The Past and Present of the Masterpiece: A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains” will be held at 3pm on December 17 (Sunday) at the Lecture Hall, Basement of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Admission is free by online registration, with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. For details of the dance masterclass and pre-performance talk, please visit the above-mentioned website.

     The LCSD has all along been committed to promoting Chinese history and culture through organising different types of activities. For more details of related activities, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/common/pdf/Chinese_History_Culture_Programmes_EN.pdf.

Hong Kong – Additional special service sessions for collection of travel documents on July 15 and 22

Additional special service sessions for collection of travel documents on July 15 and 22

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     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (July 12) that additional special service sessions from 2pm to 9pm would be provided at the Travel Documents (Issue) Section on 4/F of the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai and the seven Immigration Branch Offices for collection of travel documents on July 15 (Saturday) and 22 (Saturday). 
 
     An ImmD spokesperson said, in view of the start of summer holidays, additional special service sessions would be provided by the ImmD to enable members of the public to collect their travel documents. Members of the public may collect their Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports or other travel documents by presenting the Collection Notice at the offices concerned during the special service sessions without making prior appointments and on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no quota limit. Members of the public are reminded to return their existing travel documents to the ImmD for cancellation upon collection of the new ones (except for first applications or loss cases). For addresses of the offices concerned and arrangements for the special service sessions, please see the Annex.
 
     Moreover, to ensure that members of the public can apply for travel documents in a smooth and orderly manner, with effect from tomorrow (July 13), the Travel Documents and Nationality (Application) Section on 4/F, Immigration Tower, Wan Chai, and all Immigration Branch Offices will not process applications without appointments. Applicants who wish to submit applications in person should first make an appointment booking through the Internet (www.gov.hk/tdbooking), the Immigration Department Mobile Application or by phone (2598 0888). For applicants who are unable to make an appointment but urgently need to replace their travel documents due to loss, damage, wear and tear or reasons rendering the documents unserviceable, they may contact staff of the ImmD for assistance. The staff concerned will offer assistance based on individual circumstances.
 
     The ImmD encourages members of the public to submit their HKSAR passport applications through the Internet or the ImmD Mobile Application, or at Travel Document Submission Kiosks in a self-service manner. Moreover, generally speaking, applications for HKSAR passports and other travel documents can all be made by post or drop-in boxes at the relevant offices.
 
     For enquiries, please phone the ImmD hotline 2824 6111 or contact staff of the ImmD by email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk).

Japan – Eisai: Additional Detailed Analyses from Phase 2 Study 201 of Lecanemab Published as Three Papers in Peer-Reviewed Journals

Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) announced today that three additional detailed analyses from the Phase IIb clinical study (Study 201), evaluating the efficacy and safety of lecanemab for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild AD (collectively known as early AD), were published in the peer-reviewed journals.

1. Detailed results on biomarker, cognitive, and clinical effects from Study 201 core to OLE (open-label extension): Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy
2. Consistency of efficacy results across various clinical measures and statistical methods in Study 201: Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy
3. ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormality) profile in Study 201: Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions

Study 201 was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 2b trial conducted in 856 patients with early AD. Its core study evaluated key efficacy assessments, including clinical change on the AD Composite Score (ADCOMS) as the primary endpoint at 12 months and as key secondary endpoints, ADCOMS, Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum-of-Boxes (CDR-SB) and AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale 14 (ADAS-Cog14) at 18 months. Following analysis of the 18-month core phase, an intervening off-treatment period (gap period) ranging from 9-59 months (mean 24 months) was taken, which was followed by an OLE with 10 mg/kg IV bi-weekly lecanemab dosing to assess long-term safety and tolerability. The results of the primary analysis in the core study including clinical efficacy and biomarkers have already been published, showing a consistent reduction in clinical decline across several clinical and biomarker endpoints with lecanemab 10 mg/kg bi-weekly dosing.

1. Detailed results on biomarker, cognitive, and clinical effects from Study 201.

“Lecanemab in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease: detailed results on biomarker, cognitive, and clinical effects from the randomized and open‑label extension of the phase 2 proof‑of‑concept study”

In the core 201 study, lecanemab was shown to reduce brain Aβ accumulation measured by amyloid PET in a dose- and time-dependent manner after 12 and 18 months of treatment, and corresponding changes in plasma biomarkers and reduction in clinical decline. During the gap period, a trend was observed for plasma Aβ42/40 ratio and p-tau181 values to return to the pre-administration levels (re-accumulation) faster than amyloid PET.

In the OLE, lecanemab 10 mg/kg biweekly treatment showed a decrease in brain amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation measured by amyloid PET, a decrease in the plasma Aβ42/40 ratio, and a decrease in plasma p-tau181.

The potential for disease modification with lecanemab is supported by an increasing difference in clinical measures between the lecanemab group and placebo group in line with time during the core period, differences in clinical progression between subjects who received 10 mg/kg lecanemab and those who received placebo in the core period, which remained persistent throughout the gap period, and an impact on biological measures that reflect key pathophysiological changes in AD. Furthermore, the results showed the potential for monitoring the treatment effects of lecanemab using plasma biomarkers.

2. Consistency of efficacy results across various clinical measures and statistical methods in Study 201.

“Consistency of efficacy results across various clinical measures and statistical methods in the lecanemab phase 2 trial of early Alzheimer’s disease”

In order to assess the robustness of lecanemab’s efficacy in Study 201, sensitivity analyses were performed using several statistical models for three key clinical endpoints (ADCOMS, CDR-SB, ADAS-Cog14). The sensitivity analysis showed that 18 months of lecanemab treatment consistently reduced the clinical decline in all statistical models examined. The results of all sensitivity analyses for three key clinical endpoints at the highest dose (10 mg/kg bi-weekly) at 18 months were consistent, with a 29.1% to 37.4% reduction in clinical deterioration with lecanemab compared to placebo for ADCOMS, 26.5% to 38.4% for CDR-SB and 37.4% to 55.9% for ADAS-Cog14.

3. ARIA profile in Study 201

“ARIA in patients treated with lecanemab (BAN2401) in a phase 2 study in early Alzheimer’s
disease”

In the core study 201, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities-edema (ARIA-E) was dose dependent, with an incidence 9.9% at the highest doses (10 mg/kg bi-weekly) for the overall population and 14.3% for ApoE4 positive subjects. Most ARIA-E occurred within 30 days after the initial dose and had mild to moderate severity in radiographic severity. Symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 3% of participants in the 10mg/kg bi-weekly treatment group. ARIA cerebral microhemorrhages, intracerebral hemorrhage >1cm, and superficial siderosis (ARIA-H) occurred in 6.2% of subjects who received 10 mg/kg biweekly lecanemab and those events were mostly mild in severity. There were no symptomatic cases of ARIA-H reported in the core study.

Overall ARIA-E events in the OLE phase were generally consistent with the rate seen in the lecanemab 10 mg/kg biweekly group in the core study (four subjects treated with placebo in the core study had ARIA-E in the OLE (4 of 45: 8.9%). As with the core study, most ARIA-E occurred within 3 months after receiving the initial dose in the OLE and had mostly mild to moderate in radiographic severity. ARIA-H events in the OLE were generally consistent with the rate seen in the lecanemab 10 mg/kg biweekly group in the core study. ARIA-H events were mostly mild or moderate in severity. One symptomatic case of ARIA-H, intracerebral hemorrhage > 1cm, was reported in OLE. This subject did not have concurrent ARIA-E, and the adverse event resolved with residual visual field defect.

PK/PD modeling showed that the incidence of ARIA-E was correlated with Cmax at steady state.
Based on the fact that lecanemab was generally well tolerated at the highest dose in this study, the Phase 3 Clarity AD study was conducted without dose titration. A subcutaneous formulation that may potentially reduce the Cmax of lecanemab is being developed and evaluated to determine if there is a reduction of the incidence of ARIA-E compared to intravenous formulation.

Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.

To learn more, visit www.LEQEMBI.com.

About Lecanemab

Lecanemab (Brand Name in the U.S.: LEQEMBI) is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. Lecanemab is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Lecanemab selectively binds and eliminates Aβ protofibrils that are thought to contribute to the neurotoxicity in AD. As such, lecanemab may have the potential to have an effect on disease pathology and to slow down the progression of the disease. LEQEMBI is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the U.S. under an accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Treatment with LEQEMBI should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials. There are no safety or effectiveness data on initiating treatment at earlier or later stages of the disease than were studied. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on reduction in Aβ plaques observed in patients treated with LEQEMBI. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. The Clarity AD study of lecanemab met its primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints with highly statistically significant results.

Please see full Prescribing Information (PDF) in the United States. www.leqembi.com/-/media/Files/Leqembi/Prescribing-Information.pdf

Lecanemab-irmb was approved under the accelerated approval pathway in the U.S. and was launched in the U.S. on January 18, 2023. The accelerated approval was based on Phase 2 data that demonstrated that lecanemab reduced the accumulation of Aβ plaque in the brain, a defining feature of AD, and its continued approval may be contingent upon verification of lecanemab’s clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. The FDA determined that the results of the Phase 3 Clarity AD study can serve as the confirmatory study to verify the clinical benefit of lecanemab. In November 2022, the results of Clarity AD study were presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference and simultaneously published in the peer-reviewed medical journal, The New England Journal of Medicine.

In the U.S., Eisai submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the FDA for approval under the traditional pathway on January 6, 2023. On March 3, 2023, the FDA accepted Eisai’s sBLA based on the Clarity AD clinical data, and the lecanemab application has been granted Priority Review, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of July 6, 2023. The FDA is currently planning to hold an Advisory Committee to discuss this application but has not yet publicly announced the date of the meeting. Eisai submitted an application for manufacturing and marketing approval to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) on January 16, 2023, in Japan. The Priority Review was granted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) on January 26, 2023. Eisai utilized the prior assessment consultation system of PMDA, with the aim of shortening the review period for lecanemab. In Europe, Eisai submitted a marketing authorization application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on January 9, 2023, which was accepted on January 26, 2023. In China, Eisai initiated submission of data for a BLA to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China in December 2022, and the Priority Review was granted on February 27, 2023 .

Eisai has completed a lecanemab subcutaneous bioavailability study, and subcutaneous dosing is currently being evaluated in the Clarity AD OLE.

Since July 2020 the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, has been ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S., funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen.

Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been ongoing.

About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for AD

Eisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.

About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for AD

Since 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market LEQEMBI for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody LEQEMBI back-up was signed in May 2015.

About Eisai Co., Ltd.

Eisai’s Corporate Concept is “to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides.” Under this concept (also known as the human health care [hhc] concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of neurology and oncology.

In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners.

For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), and connect with us on Twitter @Eisai_SDGs.

About Biogen

Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading global biotechnology company that has pioneered multiple breakthrough innovations including a broad portfolio of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, and two co-developed treatments to address a defining pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Biogen is advancing a pipeline of potential novel therapies across neurology, neuropsychiatry, specialized immunology and rare diseases and remains acutely focused on its purpose of serving humanity through science while advancing a healthier, more sustainable and equitable world.

The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website at www.biogen.com. Follow Biogen on social media – Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube.

Contacts:

Eisai

10 million additional jobs can be created in electronics and BPO sector in two years’ time: Shri Ashwani Vaishnaw


The Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that 10 million additional jobs can be created in the electronics and Business Processing (BPO) sector in the coming two years, given the strides the start-up sector is making in the country.



Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurating the National Level Start-up Initiative




While inaugurating the National Level Start-up Initiative organized by the Software Technology Park of India (STPI) and Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), here today, the Minister said that the electronics sector alone could create additional jobs between 2.5 – 3 million and the BPO sector could make available 8 million jobs in the coming two years, which will be a substantial addition to the existing level of employment.



Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressing the National Level Start-up Initiative




Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw referred to three megatrends that are unfolding in the country as envisioned by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Foremost among them is determination to emerge as the technology leader powered by the country’s talent pool, ingenuity, high level of computer literacy, and commitment to excel. “We have now an ecosystem that gives importance to merit and talent, that can power innovations and disruptions,” he said, adding that such a dispensation never existed before. There is a visible drive to proliferate frontier technologies in areas like telecom, electronics, railways, and other related areas to help India to emerge as a technology leader.



Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressing the National Level Start-up Initiative




Next in importance, the Minister said, is the manufacturing segment which is witnessing the mindboggling number of innovations, particularly in the mobile telephone system where India has become a major exporter now as against a net importer a few years ago. “It’s a marvellous achievement which we are trying to emulate in other segments including railways, chemicals, power and semiconductor” he said, adding that a lot of R&D efforts are currently underway to Fasttrack technological excellence in various segments.


Diversity is another trend that is discernible now, the Minister observed. This is achieved by digitally connecting tier 2 and 3 cities so that entrepreneurship can be nurtured from these cities to widen the bandwidth of the development. Of the 64 digital hubs that have been implemented, 54 are in small cities and towns, which will have a remarkable impact on the proliferation of start-ups in the country.



Releasing a report on Start-up Ecosystem Beyond Tier 1 cities




Earlier, welcoming the delegates, the Chairman, ESC, Shri Sandeep Narula explained the rationale of the ESC-STPI start-up initiative. 13+ State Conclaves were organized covering Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, U.P., Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, New Delhi, and Odisha. After scrutiny by the Knowledge Partner – Grant Thornton (GT), around 300 Start-ups were invited to join these State Conclaves against 700+ nominations received. Now, the Jury at the national level will select 40 start-ups after a rigorous process of filtering to participate at the US exposure meeting for building industry linkages, interface with venture capitalists, etc. to be held on 10-11 January 2023.




Shri Narula underscored the need for developing an Indian model of start-ups sensitive to the country’s needs, which should not give too much focus on valuation but on sustainability leading to inclusive growth.




Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI while explaining various schemes initiated by STPI, said that presently the start-up infrastructure in the country is considerably toned up. There are facilities for funding and mentoring start-ups. The government policies also have been start-up and MSME friendly. For instance, he said, the current government has done spectrum allocation and implementation in a record time, while earlier allocations took considerably longer time.




Ms Padmaja Ruparel, Founding Partner, of IAN Fund mentioned various avenues available for funding start-ups in the country, which never existed before.




Shri Vicky Bahl, Partner, Grant Thronton described the global start-up landscape and stressed the need for India to align with it to move in the value chain.




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Canada – Additional steps to deliver timely passport services for Canadians as travel restrictions ease around the world 

With pandemic restrictions easing around the world, interest in travel is growing among Canadians, and demand for new or renewed passports is growing along with it. Service Canada is experiencing increases in passport processing times, and is responding by prioritizing those travelling imminently and ensuring that those with less urgent needs can access the right service channels for them.

May 17, 2022              Gatineau, Quebec              Employment and Social Development CanadaWith pandemic restrictions easing around the world, interest in travel is growing among Canadians, and demand for new or renewed passports is growing along with it. Service Canada is experiencing increases in passport processing times, and is responding by prioritizing those travelling imminently and ensuring that those with less urgent needs can access the right service channels for them.

Service Canada’s ability to serve Canadians swiftly was affected by the unprecedented volume of applications and the obligation to impose in-person capacity limits for both clients and staff to protect the health and safety of those visiting and those working inside Service Canada Centres.

Service Canada is pleased to announce the reopening of all passport service counters across the country. Reopening measures were implemented the week of May 9 following a brief trial period. They mark a return to pre-pandemic in-person service capacity, with a 40% increase in capacity at service counters. Capacity in waiting rooms has also been significantly expanded, and Service Canada has also taken additional measures to simplify and expedite passport processing.

A number of measures have been put in place to make it easier for Canadians to access passport services, and to improve and streamline processing to better meet their needs.

Service Canada has hired 600 new employees specifically to support the processing of passport applications, opened more dedicated passport intake counters in over 300 Service Canada Centres, opened additional processing hubs, and created a new workload management and processing technology to increase efficiency, all while meeting health protocols. Service Canada continues to hire and train more employees, and teams at the passport office, processing and call centres are working overtime every day and on weekends to increase processing capacity. This includes opening select Service Canada Centres on Saturdays for passport service.

A simplified renewal process now allows applicants to renew an expired passport if it was issued in the last 15 years. The simplified process is also available to those who had their passport lost, stolen or damaged. Applicants do not need to have a guarantor or provide their original documents, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification. They simply need two photos, two references, their completed form and the applicable fees. These changes make renewing a passport easier and faster, while maintaining the highest level of program integrity.

Service Canada has also launched eservices.canada.ca/reservation/, an online appointment-booking tool that applicants can access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from their computer, tablet or cellphone to book their appointment online. The tool also directs them to the right location to submit their passport applications. Service Canada recognizes that some circumstances cannot wait for an appointment:

Anyone who needs a passport within two business days must visit one of the specialized passport sites (Service Canada Centres – Passport Service) offering urgent pick-up service. Proof of travel is required.
Those travelling within 25 business days can use the walk-in service at one of the 35 specialized passport sites (Service Canada Centres – Passport Service). Appointments are recommended, and proof of travel is required. Please note that wait times at these sites may be long due to the current demand.
For anyone travelling in more than 25 days (or with no specific travel date), over 300 Service Canada Centres are available to receive passport applications in person. No proof of travel is needed. These applicants also have the option to mail in their applications.

Although processing times are currently longer than prior to the pandemic, 98% of Canadians who apply in-person at a specialized passport office currently receive their passports in less than 10 business days. In March and April 2022, Service Canada received approximately 500,000 applications for passports, and is therefore prioritizing those with more imminent travel.

Canadians should make sure they have valid passports well before booking travel. If they do need a passport, or need an existing passport to be renewed, they should apply well before they book their trip to ensure it can be delivered in time. 

“Service Canada and its employees work hard to deliver the services Canadians need, where and when they need them. We do this by planning for surges in demand, adapting our processes where and when we can, and taking advantage of technology to streamline our processing and intake. Our teams are currently responding to a significant surge in demand for passports, working hard to maintain our service standards and get Canadians the documents they need to travel. We thank Canadians for their patience during this time, and continue to encourage them to plan ahead and apply early if they need passport services.”

– Lori MacDonald, Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development and Chief Operating Officer for Service Canada

From April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, Service Canada issued 363,000 passports. From April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, this number grew to 1,273,000 passports issued, with over 960,000 being issued between September 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.

Service Canada expects to receive 4.2 million passport applications during the 2022–23 fiscal year. 

In April 2021, approximately 69,000 applications were received, compared to 261,000 applications in April 2022. 

Since April 1, 2022, Service Canada has issued 210,219 passports.