Voyageur 74
Fake Maple Syrup, and a Canadian Passport Guarantee.
News for residents of the “11th province”: Canadians abroad.
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Fake Maple Syrup Is Showing Up in Quebec Grocery Stores
A Radio-Canada investigation caught a Quebec producer trying to flog cans labeled “pure maple syrup” that were cut with at least 50% cane sugar. The producer, Steve Bourdeau, sold his syrup to hundreds of grocery stores across Quebec - including chains IGA and Metro - at prices that undercut his competitors. Lab tests on five random cans from different batches all came back showing that there had been deliberate adulteration; not an accident. Brutal.
Quebec produces 90% of the world’s maple syrup under rigorous quality controls, but canned syrup sold directly to grocery stores bypasses the bulk testing system. It’s a real blow to Brand Canada when we can hardly afford the hit.
Bourdeau initially said the test results were “impossible,” but then switched course to blame suppliers in Ontario and New Brunswick. He then said he’s launching his own “investigation,” but has no plans to recall the fake syrup still sitting on shelves. “It’s going to be pretty much gone. In two or three weeks, there won’t be much left.” Appalling, if accurate.
Read more: CBC News / Radio-Canada Enquête
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Canada Overhauls Passport Service With "30-Day or Free" Guarantee
The Canadian government will now refund your passport fee if it takes longer than 30 business days to process your application.
The new "30 days or free" guarantee started on April 1. It applies to all standard passport and travel document applications, including those submitted from abroad. If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada doesn't get it done in time, you get your money back automatically.
The move is meant to bring more accountability to passport services after the major delays seen in recent years. It comes just after a modest fee increase on March 31 - a standard 10-year passport now costs $163.50. Urgent and express applications have their own separate fees and timelines and aren't part of the 30-day guarantee.
For expats, the new policy offers some welcome predictability. The clock starts once a complete application is submitted, and stops when the document is printed - mailing time isn't included in the 30 days.
Read more: Canadian Immigrant / Global News