Canada just unveiled their new passport design in a huge way during a ceremony marking the occasion decades in the making.
The travel document boasted new artwork and updated state-of-the-art security features.
Passport Canada announced the change on Twitter.
\u201c2/ It includes state-of-the-art security features and brand-new artwork that highlights Canada\u2019s diverse landscapes and people throughout the four seasons.\nRead the full news release here \u27a1\ufe0f https://t.co/zM7mx3gO9h\u201d— Passport Canada (@Passport Canada) 1683734521
Here is a photo of the current Canadian passport with the newer design.
Twitter user Olú—@Olufemiloye—asked:
"Which is your favorite?"
\u201c1) Current Canadian Passport Design\n\n2 New Canadian Passport Design. \n\nWhich is your favourite?\u201d— Ol\u00fa (@Ol\u00fa) 1683737742
At a news conference at Ottawa International Airport, federal ministers Sean Fraser–of immigration, refugees, and citizenship–and Karina Gould–of families, children, and social development–unveiled the re-designed look of the passport in a big way.
The reaction online was mixed, with one poll revealing a majority disliked the new passport.
\u201cCanada's new passport design has been unveiled.\n\nSecurity features have been enhanced but images of Vimy Ridge and Terry Fox have been replaced by seasonal scenes including a man raking leaves.\n\nRelated read: https://t.co/7OThb4EVB1\n\nDo you like the changes?\n\nYOUR TAKE\u201d— CTVTheDebate (@CTVTheDebate) 1683738909
But what really had the Twitterverse worked up was the new passport's size.
Plenty of sarcasm followed on Twitter over the passport's cumbersome design.
\u201cI assumed the anger on my timeline over Canada\u2019s new passport was overblown but it\u2019s not. This is outrageous. \n\nIt\u2019s so big. \n\nWho approved this.\u201d— Pat Dubois (@Pat Dubois) 1683741560
\u201c@KrisReports I deserve a passport THIS big after all the immigration paperworks that I\u2019ve gone through \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude2d\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports But it's so big! It's going to so hard to travel with a passport that size. I'm going to need a new fanny pack.\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports There's no way that can fit in your pocket.\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports That will test the hand baggage allowance\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports \u201cWhat is this\u2026 A Passport for giants??\u201d\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports That\u2019s gonna be hard to carry. Will they make room in the overhead compartment?\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports The only passport in the world that you have to check at the airport...\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201c@KrisReports You'd never lose that down the side of the plane seat.\u201d— Kris Pangilinan (@Kris Pangilinan) 1683726556
\u201cCanadians with new passport travelling this fall:\u201d— khai \ud83e\udde7\ud83c\udf8f\ud83d\udc08\u200d\u2b1b (@khai \ud83e\udde7\ud83c\udf8f\ud83d\udc08\u200d\u2b1b) 1683746637
\u201cCleveland is prepared\u2026\u201d— Andrew Smith (@Andrew Smith) 1683807831
One of the passport's new security features designed to protect the identities of Canadian citizens is the polycarbonate data page.
Passholders' private information will now be laser engraved instead of printed with ink to prevent counterfeiting.
It was also embedded with an electronic chip in a transparent window on one page to better detect any evidence of tampering.
Here is a clip of Fraser and Gould introducing Canada's new passport.
Fraser said Canada's revised passport was more than just a travel document, adding:
"It is a representation of our national identity and values."
"It is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Canada, and it reflects the country's commitment to welcoming people from all around the world.”
Gould said the passport was "a fundamental document of citizenship, recognized around the world," adding:
"The Government is committed to ensuring passport services are quick, efficient and modern."
"We are working hard to give Canadians a seamless experience, from the moment they apply until the moment the passport arrives in their hands.”
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