"LRAVEL LOSING ONE WILL CREATE A PROBLEM Keep passports in safe place IT WOULD save the travelling public a great deal of grief if travel agents would routinely check passports before :::ning tickets to foreign destinations requiring those documents. In many cases, they simply ask, “Do you have a valid passport?’’ If the client assures them that he has, the ticket is issued. 1 don’t want to accuse any of us of being clods that need to be ted by the hand, but if I can let mine expire, isn’t it possible that less frequent travellers might do the same? The difference with mine is that travel wise Barbara McCreadie 1 knew the thing was outdated by a month but I wasn’t too worried. Where was I planning to go? As it turned out, something came up and had me scrambling around for a couple of days. At one time, all passport ap- plications — including documents (birth certificate or citizenship papers) plus photographs and cer- tified cheque or money order had to be mailed to Ottawa for pro- cessing. Naturally, many errors were iT aa IHL VORCR OF SAITO AND WEST WNC DUNE YY | to the Classifieds new career. Greater challenge. An a! opportunity to excel, to expand. A new day to look forward to. And, above all, expectations of an exciting future. When you're in the job market, don't let any opportunities pass you by. Check the JOB OPPORTUNITIES ads in the NEWS. “8% Classifieds iss 986-6222 made by applicants incorrectly completing the forms or omitting some vital piece of documentation, resulting in long delays in receiving the finished product. In 1970, local offices were open- ed in three centres —- Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. For the fortunate Canadians living nearby, passports could be completed in three working days. The applica- tions, checked on the spot, could be screened for errors. Documents could be checked and returned immediately to the applicant. This system worked so well that today there are 22 such offices located across Canada and proba- bly more to come as the popula- tion warrants them. In the beginning, only 17 per cent of the passports issued were processed through the local cen- tres. Today, 70 per cent are handl- ed in the speedy three days. Of course, you may still go through Ottawa if you prefer to use Canada Post. One of the most frustrating problems facing the passport office is the individual without proof of citizenship. It is very difficult to reason with scmeone who appears at the office and may have fought for Canada in the First World War or was trucked across the border in a baby buggy. Neither event makes them automatic citizens of Canada. But the rules must be firm. Only legitimaie Canadians can carry a Canadian passport. I’m very proud of mine. One fact pointed cut to me by Ted Woodyard of the Vancouver passport office: possession of a passport is not a guarantee that you may be allowed admission into any country. It is completely at the discretion of the admitting officers. Refusal of entry rarely happens but be aware that it can. Another problem can arise if you are the bearer of a valid pass- port and lose it. If it happens at home, phone the Vancouver office and they will mail you the proper form. This form must be notarized be- fore the office can accept it with your new passport application (plus all the required documents, signatures and photos). Your passport is a valuable document — treat it well and keep it safely stored. Passport application forms are available at all Canada Post of- fices. There are two types: one for children to age 15 and the other for 16 and over. Applications are free. All the details required to com- plete the application, including descriptions of acceptable guaran- tors and photographs, are clearly explained on the application. Why is it that some people are convinc- ed that they have blue hair and blond eyes? It is a sound precaution to have someone else check over your ap- plication in case your blond eyes might have missed something. The current fee for a Canadian passport is $25. The government doesn’t take 10Us, plastic money or uncertified cheques. Take cash, money order or certified cheque. You will have the longest wait at the office if you schedule your visit between Il ».m. and 2 p.m. Ap- plicants are called by number — don’t forget to take one from the - You remember those special mornents, why not relive them with your friends and family. Bring in that special negative (C-41 type film 110, 126 machine as you enter the office. Don't grab 2 number and duck out for coffee — the lines move faster than you think. If you have any questions, a re- corded message is on line — 666- 0221. If that doesn’t cover your problem, hang on and your call will be taken by a real person who will likely be able to sort you out. And, when you get your new document home, photocopy the front pages — the ones with the pictures, vital statistics and serial numbers engraved. At the same time, and on the same sheet of paper, copy your birth certificate, driver's licence, citizenship card (if you were reading last week’s column and have applied), plus anything else you may require such as cyvglass prescriptions, generic names of any prescription drugs you must carry — even your marriage certificate if you think you may be accused of living in sin. Give copies to your travelling companion, keep one in your lug- gage and give one to your mom. Give yourself a head start should you lose something. 35 - Sunday, October 22, 1989 - North Shore News Presents BOLIVIA TRAVELOGUE FILM NARRATED LIVE IN PERSON BY STAN WALSH VAN. ORPHEUM Oct. 25 - 6:00'p.m. $11.75, 10.50, 9.50 Stu. $7.75 NORTH VAN. CENTENNIAL THEATRE Oct. 26 - 6:00+8:30 p.m. $11.25 Stu. $7.25 TERA LaTR py, info and Chargeline 280-4444 {Tieket prices subject to service charge} MOTORHOMES FOR SALE Excellent late model used motorhomes and vans. staring at°19,900_ 987-5288 1577 LLOYD AVE. NORTH VANCOUVER ing 31 INCHES x5 INCHES | or 135 mm) and take advantage of our offer un- ° til Sat., October 28, 1989. OCTOBER Solna malaise sa [22| 23/24/25 /26/27 28 coed : oT ars id Operated by Bntsh Columbians B ri 4 INCH X 6 INCH cam 5 INCH X 7 INCH ea. 17° OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ws : - (Saree ” SEMEN ee, PERMANENT {2 DISCOUNT if SAVE-Of-FOOOS & DRUGS |§ : OS On PERT Cary OF Bul ae rel ETE Or res: J POOLS Dui A does mean thal we ae Oedcales 10 ChECNInY Ove 1eadeg COT saltors newspapes and “teary compecaars 3a, ana Sate: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TD TANT QuaNTiNES INFORMATION LIP