Security just got a whole lot tougher in the U-S.

 

Effective today, travellers flying into the states will be required to have a valid passport.
        
Passport Canada Spokesperson Francine Charbonneau says the massive delays in passport processing caused by the American initiative has prompted them to recruit.

She says Passport Canada has hired several new and even retired employees to deal with the backlog.

Charbonneau estimates a 20-day delay on top of their processing standards, and she says the wait may get even longer.
       
The agency is receiving a record-high amount of 21 thousand applications a day across the country for passports.        
Charbonneau urges those applying in person to plan ahead for a long wait, or mail-in the passport application if you have more time.