[jeicow]

I don't think it will be that big of a deal. Most Canadians already use a passport when crossing, and really, the Americans who are likely to come to Canada, generally the middle-upper class people, will already have one. I think the media is just making a big deal over nothing. There might be a temporary drop but it's not like all the tourists centres of Canada will suddenly collapse. I think SARS did more damage then this will ever do.

 

[jeicow]

How many of our stereotypical cocky wife beater shirt moustache low or middle income male Americans do you know carries a passport? So the biggest impact will be on the gambling sector.

The biggest hit that bingo halls are facing will be the smoking ban, not only on border towns but across the province. Since they aren't being considered "gaming establishments" by the government, they're going to lose their biggest crowd.

I just don't see this having an effect that much of tourism, especially in NF. I think the casino that is/will be opening outside of Buffalo will have the biggest impact, especially considering they're suppose to have more slots and pay out in US$. And, the people who are most serious about betting will probably still get the passport if it's really that big of a deal.

 

[jeicow]

I don't think making truckers carry a passport will hurt our economy. I think most already do because it just speeds up the entire process, and currently, to transport certain chemicals into the US the MUST have a passport. Canadian passports aren't really expensive either. It's $87 for a 24 page, $92 for a 48 page + the cost of photos. The processing time varies but I think overall, anyone who needs one can get it easily.

 

[jeicow]

Has everyone involved with this process thought this through with everyone and everything in mind.

While I agree that passports don't help, if it speeds up the entire crossing time for truckers then I think it will have the opposite effect. I know when I used my Birth Certificate and Liscence to cross the border they always asked more questions but when I used my passport they took a glance at it, asked a few questions and I was in. The big problem right now for the trucking industry is lost time while crossing the border due to lines and this will likely help get them across faster, saving money for businesses and ensuring money isn't lost. Really, if a $80 passport helps saves thousands of dollars in fuel and early deliveries then I think most truckers will agree it's a better idea.

If there going to start forcing every trucker to carry a passport than the federal government better make passport free for truckers and start hiring more employees because I believe you have to wait 6 months to get a passport.

I agree that they should fire more employees and open more offices (they haven't done it in a while and it's needed) but really, a passport isn't that expensive nor complicated to get. I could see there being problems if the US just imposed this all of the sudden but there is lots of time before this is enforced. There has been talk about this for the last 18 months about it, so they've had lots of time to get it. If they're idiots enough to have leave it to the last minute they can get it within 24 hours for only $70 more. BUT there's still eigth months, and the longest I know it took someone to get a passport is eight weeks.

 

[jeicow]

I hate how you have to apply for a Canadian passport every five years. Really gets on my nerves.

US Passports are valid for ten years.

I never got that one either. You'd think the US would make it shorter so that they could get more recent pictures and ensure the person still was safe to travel.

It would help @ the Canadian Passport Offices to make the term longer- the Mississauga passport office has like 2-3 hour lines most days, about 5-6 during the summer rush b/c everyone is renewing at the last minute. But once again, the government just wants our money.