Passports arrive in time for Ottawa family's surprise trip to Disney World this weekend
Jesse Bourne and his nine-year-old son Carson are supposed to go to Disney World on Saturday for a surprise vacation, but passport delays have put the trip in jeopardy. (Courtesy: Jesse Bourne)
An Ottawa dad will be able to surprise his son with a trip of a lifetime to Disney World this weekend, after Service Canada delivered the family's new passports less than 48 hours before the trip.
"As of 3 p.m. today, we received our passports," a relieved Jesse Bourne told Newstalk 580 CFRA.
"We're definitely really excited to have it; we can finally start to feel excited for our trip."
Bourne has been planning the surprise trip to Orlando, Florida for his nine-year-old son Carson for months. The trip isn't just for Carson. Bourne's girlfriend Amber Rinfret is a nurse and this is the first vacation she's been able to get approved since the start of the pandemic.
But with the delays plaguing Canada's passport application system, the entire trip was in limbo. After applying for the passports nearly 16 weeks ago, Bourne, his girlfriend and Carson had not received the travel documents earlier this week and Saturday's departure was in Jeopardy.
Bourne contacted Service Canada a few weeks ago to follow up on his application filed on March 30, and was told they wouldn't get their passports on time if they went the traditional route. On Monday, Bourne was on hold with Service Canada for four-and-a-half-hours, and after finally getting through to speak with someone to discuss security questions, the line was disconnected after he was put on hold.
Bourne was in touch with MP Francis Drouin's office, who helped expedite the passport application to a local office.
On Thursday morning, two days before Bourne, Rinfret and Carson were set to depart Ottawa for their summer vacation, he received a call to pickup the passports.
"We're super excited. The lead up to a vacation is part of the excitement of everything that's going to happen on the vacation, and we couldn't really feel that with the stress we were feeling," Bourne told Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron. "So now that we have them in hand we're starting to feel really excited about this."
Service Canada has introduced a triage system at certain offices prioritizing people who are travelling within 24 to 48 hours.
Bourne's advice for people waiting for a passport includes contacting your local MP if your vacation is fast approaching, or go straight to the local Service Canada office with the proper identification.
Now that he has his passports, Bourne will continue planning to surprise Carson Saturday morning with Mickey Mouse ears and news of his trip to Disney World.
"Good thing he doesn't listen to CFRA, so that was a good thing," Bourne said, joking about the media coverage. "We're definitely going to surprise him on Saturday morning."
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Michael Woods
Ottawa Top Stories
-
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Nov. 1-3
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING Santa Claus is coming to town this month for annual parades
-
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW
NEW Children's doctors reporting unusual increase in walking pneumonia cases in Canada
Children's hospitals across the country are seeing an unusual increase in the number of serious and more complicated cases of walking pneumonia affecting much younger patients, according to medical experts.
NEW
NEW Canada and the U.S. share the world's longest border. Here's how the election could affect it
Spend just a few minutes at the border between Canada and the U.S. – the world's longest – and you'll see why trade is a vital lifeline.
opinion
opinion Prince Harry, Meghan Markle take a different tack this time to the U.S. election
With a divided electorate about to head to the polls after a dramatic presidential campaign, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have taken a more neutral approach in the 2024 U.S. general election compared to 2020, writes royal commentator Afua Hagan in her column for CTVNews.ca.
Are you in perimenopause? Here's what to look for, according to a doctor
Half of the world's population will undergo menopause if they live to middle age, but symptoms start occurring several years before that life change.
Ford vehicles are recalled in Canada. Here's why and what's affected
Several Ford vehicles have been recalled in Canada due to issues with braking systems, steering and child car seat tethers.
How will the outcome of the U.S. election affect financial markets?
Whichever candidate wins the U.S. president election next Tuesday, experts say investors will be relieved to shed some uncertainty over what kinds of policies to expect.
Mounties in B.C. raid 'largest and most sophisticated' drug lab in Canadian history
Mounties in British Columbia have discovered the 'largest and most sophisticated' drug-production laboratory in Canadian history, federal investigators announced Thursday, describing the facility as a 'super lab' operated by international organized criminals.
'Doctors aren't always right': Alberta goes ahead with controversial transgender policies in 3 new bills
The Alberta government has tabled three bills that will change, among other things, how transgender youth and athletes are treated in the province.
Canada's youngest dangerous offender, who sexually assaulted baby, seeks prison leave
A convict who became Canada 's youngest designated dangerous offender after sexually assaulting a three-month-old baby is seeking escorted leave from prison to attend Indigenous cultural ceremonies in Vancouver.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Atlantic
-
Woman, 24, dies after being hit by Halifax Transit bus Thursday
A 24-year-old woman has died after she was hit by a Halifax Transit bus Thursday morning.
-
'Her truth is important': Daughter of N.S. murder victim wants police to release details about domestic violence cases
The daughter of a Nova Scotia woman who was killed by her husband of 33 years earlier this month in Enfield says she wants police to release more details about domestic violence cases.
-
NEW
NEW Canada and the U.S. share the world's longest border. Here's how the election could affect it
Spend just a few minutes at the border between Canada and the U.S. – the world's longest – and you'll see why trade is a vital lifeline.
Toronto
-
New changes come into effect to handle Canadian banking complaints
New changes are coming into effect that aim to protect bank customers in the event of a scam or address other bank-related issues.
-
Toronto mom charged with murder after baby dies in house fire: police
A 19-year-old mother has been charged with murder after her baby died in a house fire in Toronto last week, police say.
-
11-year-old girl in critical condition after being struck by bus outside Mississauga school
An 11-year-old girl is in critical condition after being struck by a Mi-Way bus outside of a school in Mississauga Thursday afternoon.
Montreal
-
Q&A: Mayor Plante on hijab controversy, decision to not run again in 2025
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante spoke to CTV News anchor Caroline Van Vlaardingen about her shocking decision, what's next for her and about a recent controversial decision to remove a poster at City Hall because it depicted a woman in a hijab.
-
Montreal-area woman granted bail after being accused of throwing boiling water on child
A Montreal-area woman accused of throwing boiling water on a 10-year-old boy and causing serious injuries has been granted bail.
-
Washington Capitals beat Montreal Canadiens 6-3
The Washington Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-3 to continue their strong start.
Northern Ontario
-
Physician calls on province to pay for more doctors to deliver babies in northern Ont.
Between Timmins and Thunder Bay, only Sensenbrenner Hospital in Kapuskasing has an operating obstetrics department.
-
Family pleads for information on what happened to missing Manitoulin Island woman
Juanita Migwans – or 'Winnie,' as her family calls her – of M'Chigeeng First Nation has been missing for almost a month.
-
Sudbury convenience stores say alcohol sales boosting their bottom line
With news that big box grocery stores are allowed to sell alcohol, CTV News decided to check in with local convenience stores to see how sales are going.
Windsor
-
Windsor teen’s shredded pepperoni pizza post goes viral
A Windsor teen’s social media post showing off a distinctive Windsor pizza topping has gone viral, drawing millions of views worldwide and sparking new curiosity about Windsor-style pizza.
-
'We do not sell poppies': Local Royal Canadian Legion distribution campaign underway
The 2024 Poppy Campaign is officially underway, in support of the Royal Canadian Legion.
-
'You have to really pay attention': Berry farmers prepare for field winterization
As famers across southwestern Ontario flirt with record-breaking warmth, many are watching the skies, waiting to start preparations for the colder months ahead.
London
-
St. Thomas apartment closed after alleged renovictions lead to 'severe fire code deficiencies'
The St. Thomas Fire Department says it was an extreme case of renoviction that led to the closure of an apartment building in the south end of the city, following numerous safety violations.
-
Overnight parking restrictions take effect Friday
As of Friday, Nov. 1, parking will be restricted on city streets in London between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.
-
'This checks off all of the boxes': Converting vacant offices into residences in downtown London
The city of London is contributing more than $3 million for an office to residential conversion downtown.
Kitchener
-
UPDATEUPDATE Cambridge woman dies in fatal crash
An 80-year-old Cambridge woman is dead following a crash in Cambridge Thursday morning.
-
Eviction notices issued at Guelph encampment
People living in an encampment in Guelph have been told they have two weeks to pack up and get out.
-
Cambridge temple says parking ban throws wrench in Diwali festivities
Thursday marks one of the biggest days on the Hindu calendar, with Diwali bringing in millions of people together in worship and celebration.
Barrie
-
Man allegedly involved in Schomberg shooting removes GPS monitor, considered armed and dangerous
York Regional Police (YRP) are on the hunt for a man allegedly involved in the shooting of a 65-year-old man in Schomberg as he walked his dog in February 2023.
-
Residents displaced after apartment fire
A large group of people have been temporarily displaced after a fire at an Orillia apartment complex.
-
Barrie mayor leading charge to push province to controversially address encampments
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is ready to take action to address the issue of homeless encampments popping up in open areas, which is bound to come with some backlash.
Winnipeg
-
'More vulnerable and less protected': Winnipeg restaurants want help curbing crime
Winnipeg restaurant owners are calling for help amid rising crime in their dining rooms, saying the province’s retail crime initiative doesn’t go far enough.
-
Embattled school board has four newly elected trustees
Newly elected trustees at the Mountain View School Division, hope they can help end months of turmoil surrounding the school board.
-
Long-standing Winnipeg high school football record broken by a pair of quarterbacks
A Winnipeg high school football record that has stood since 2009 has been broken by two different players.
Calgary
-
Elderly woman dies, elderly man injured in southeast Calgary townhouse fire
One person is dead and another is in hospital in the aftermath of a townhouse fire in southeast Calgary on Thursday.
-
As wait times climb, Albertans opt for private MRIs and CT scans
The time it takes to get medical diagnostic testing through Alberta public health care is increasing, leading some Albertans to pay out of pocket to get it done privately.
-
Calgary city councillors riled over minister's comments on Supervised Consumption Site
Some Calgary city council members are taking issue with comments made by Alberta's addiction minister and are reiterating any decision to close a Supervised Consumption Site at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre is a provincial responsibility.
Edmonton
-
'Doctors aren't always right': Alberta goes ahead with controversial transgender policies in 3 new bills
The Alberta government has tabled three bills that will change, among other things, how transgender youth and athletes are treated in the province.
-
Draisaitl scores twice, adds assist to pace Oilers to win over Predators
Leon Draisaitl scored two goals and assisted another to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-1 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.
-
City of Edmonton recommends 8.1% tax hike for 2025
The City of Edmonton is recommending a 8.1 per cent tax increase for 2025 in its draft budget to tackle the shortfalls city council is facing.
Regina
-
More women elected to Sask. Legislative Assembly, according to Canadian organization
A large percentage of newly elected MLAs in Saskatchewan are women, according to a Canadian organization called Equal Voice.
-
Around 100 snow geese shot, left to waste near Moose Jaw
Conservation officers are asking for tips from the public after about 100 snow geese were shot and left to waste near Moose Jaw.
-
Here are the candidates for Ward 2 in Regina
Here's a look at the candidates for Ward 2 ahead Regina's civic election on Nov. 13.
Saskatoon
-
Man wanted in connection with northern Saskatchewan all-day manhunt
Saskatchewan RCMP are looking for a man wanted in connection with a dangerous person alert sent out across the province last week.
-
More women elected to Sask. Legislative Assembly, according to Canadian organization
A large percentage of newly elected MLAs in Saskatchewan are women, according to a Canadian organization called Equal Voice.
-
Saskatoon mayor hopefuls square off in debate ahead of civic election
Four Saskatoon mayoral candidates had their chance to challenge each other on various issues during a televised debate Wednesday night.
Vancouver
-
Investigation of B.C. escort accused of drugging, stealing from clients was 'sloppy' and 'reckless': judge
The investigation into allegations a B.C. woman drugged and stole from men who hired her as an escort – leaving one victim dead – was marked by "professional negligence, recklessness, and operational failures," according to a judge.
-
B.C. landlord who evicted longtime tenant, hiked rent and re-listed unit ordered to pay $16K
A landlord from B.C.’s Lower Mainland who evicted a longtime tenant only to rent out the same unit months later for more money has been ordered to compensate him $16,480.
-
Canada's youngest dangerous offender, who sexually assaulted baby, seeks prison leave
A convict who became Canada 's youngest designated dangerous offender after sexually assaulting a three-month-old baby is seeking escorted leave from prison to attend Indigenous cultural ceremonies in Vancouver.
Vancouver Island
-
Mounties in B.C. raid 'largest and most sophisticated' drug lab in Canadian history
Mounties in British Columbia have discovered the 'largest and most sophisticated' drug-production laboratory in Canadian history, federal investigators announced Thursday, describing the facility as a 'super lab' operated by international organized criminals.
-
Suspect arrested in shooting at musician AP Dhillon's B.C. home, 2nd suspect likely fled to India: RCMP
Police on Vancouver Island say one suspect has been arrested and another is believed to have fled Canada after shots were fired at a Punjabi musician's Victoria-area home last month.
-
After reopening investigation, coroner deems Victoria teen's death a homicide
Three and a half years after losing her only child, a Victoria mother has confirmed something she has long believed: her daughter’s death was not an accident.
Kelowna
-
Pickup truck may be linked to suspicious deaths, RCMP say 2 years after bodies found in B.C. park
More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.
-
B.C. homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
-
B.C. man gets prison sentence, fine for using fake names to buy guns in the U.S.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
