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Canada's new passport design receiving mixed reviews

Canada has unveiled a passport redesign with new images and enhanced security features, which has prompted backlash.
Village Life
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Service Canada/YouTube

The Canadian passport is not only a powerful and respected travel document, but also a symbol of connection, exploration, and belonging.

For many, it represents the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, embark on new adventures, and discover the world. For others it marks the final step in their immigration journey as they become a Canadian citizen.

On Wednesday, Canada's new passport was unveiled and has been redesigned from cover to cover with state-of-the-art security features and new artwork, maintaining its status as one of the most secure and universally accepted travel documents in the world for all Canadians.

Canada's newly redesigned passport includes improved security features and a new cover and designs on its inner pages, which highlight Canada's natural environment over four seasons, as well as its multicultural identity. The new imagery features polar bears, people jumping in a lake, and birds in winter, among other scenes. 

However, as you could imagine, the new passport is receiving mixed reviews from Canadians, with members of the public, organizations, and officials taking to social media to share their opinions. While many are pleased with the look of the new design, others are upset that certain historical images are noticeably absent from the new design, including Terry Fox.

The new passports will be produced this summer, with more details on when they will be rolled out expected later. Current passports remain secure and Canadians can continue to use them until they expire.