We have looked at the validity period--five years versus ten years--and our position is that we should keep the five-year validity period, mainly for security reasons. It's easier to update your passport as technology evolves. It's easier to do your security check every five years instead of every ten years, and, with the exception of the service side—having a passport for 10 years—it's easier for the applicant. From a security standpoint, we gain nothing at Passport Canada by extending the validity.
On June 20th, 2007. See this statement in context.