Canadians to Get E-Passports Starting in 2013

Passport Canada has confirmed that beginning in spring of 2013, all new Canadian passports will be issued as electronic passports. The new Canadian ePassport will have an electronic chip embedded in the back cover of the book. The chip adds an extra layer of security to the passport and makes it more tamper-proof. The chip in the ePassport stores the same personal information that is normally printed on page 2 of the passport (except for the holder's signature), the photo and a country-specific digital security feature (or 'signature') that proves the passport was issued by the Government of Canada. No additional information about passport holders or their travels will be stored on the chip.

ePassport readers will be installed in Passport Canada's 34 offices for people who would like to see the information stored on their chip to make sure it is accurate.