Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would also like to thank our guests this morning. It is very interesting to have you with us.
Where the identity of a Canadian passport holder is challenged—the person is outside Canada and their Canadian passport is challenged—what is Canada's obligation, to offer protection or accommodation until the consular investigation is completed?
The Department of Foreign Affairs Report on Plans and Priorities 2009-2010 states that the Department needs to
Develop a clear “path of escalation” for passport and citizenship-related issues originating at missions abroad.
It explains, and I quote:
A clear path of escalation would provide a simple framework whereby consular staff could consult with Passport Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada on complex questions and receive guidance quickly so that such problems could be resolved promptly, resulting in more efficient use of limited consular resources.