A minor nightmare for those who have to endure it:
http://www.canada.com/search/story.a...d-67652771f61b
http://www.canada.com/search/story.a...2-6e70a441e6e5
My wife spent hours trying to get through on the phone several months ago as stated by the original poster. It's a cute system. You sit on hold until you're put through to another line but that one disconnnects if it's too busy and you have to start all over again.
She filled out the lengthy application forms (much longer than a passport application), had the picture taken (has to be a different size from a passport photo), and paid the money. Three or more months later she received a form letter providing her ONLY with a time to show up at the office and stand in line (i.e. Monday to Wednesday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.). For us it's a multi-hour trip which includes a ferry ride. She has yet to undergo that "pleasure." As I recall, it has to be renewed every five years, which we can look forward to unless she decides to deport herself in the meantime.
It is all strikingly reminiscent of the gun registry fiasco.
