Well, the 10 years is the validity period that countries were using the most, but also, having the ePassport was very important, because with the ePassport right now Canadians can benefit from their passport when they're travelling because they don't need any.... We are one of the countries who need fewer visas to travel around the world, and the ePassport is becoming the international norm. With it we ensure that these countries will not require visas for Canadians to travel abroad.
On November 21st, 2013. See this statement in context.