While we enjoy one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, such is not always the case abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs regularly issues warnings and advisories for travelers and it is a good idea to consult these and to thoroughly research your destination of choice when considering travelling abroad.

A significant improvement for children travelling out of country was announced last month by the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, with the announcement of an interactive consent letter.

This online tool is intended to make it easier for children to travel while preventing their abduction to foreign countries by a non-custodial parent. It was developed in response to the needs of parents, legal professionals and consular officials. Parents are required to carry a notarized consent letter signed by a non-travelling custodial parent as proof of permission to allow their children to travel and they can now easily compose a clear and concise document  simply by filling out a form online. This new resource can be found at www.travel.gc.ca.

A number of other resources are available to the traveler and useful whether planning a short vacation or a long-term stay. A handy Traveller’s Checklist, also found at www.travel.gc.ca, ncludes the following planning recommendations:

• Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before you depart.
• Check for up-to-date Country Travel Reports and Warnings website at voyage.gc.ca.
• Learn the location of the Canadian government office in the country you plan to visit.
• Carry a Canadian passport that is valid well beyond the date of your anticipated return to Canada; keep a copy of the identification page separate from the original.
• Leave copies of your passport identification page, itinerary, and insurance policy with friends or family.
• Obtain any required visas well in advance.
• If travelling with children carry documentation proving your right to accompany them (e.g., a consent letter or court order).
• Arrange for supplemental travel health insurance.
• Anticipate financial needs such as local currency and departure tax.
• Take care of health needs: vaccinations, prescriptions, medical certificates, supplies, extra eyeglasses.
• Check whether dual citizenship is an issue for you.
• Carry an Emergency Contact Card with the coordinates of the nearest Canadian government office in your destination country.
• Obtain an International Driving Permit, if required.

Of course despite best laid plans, you can never predict when you might need support and assistance abroad. In the event of an emergency, the local Canadian government office can easily help if you are registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad Service. This is a free, confidential service that will keep you connected to Canada in case of an emergency such as an earthquake or civil unrest, or inform you of a crisis at home. You can register with this service before you depart by mail, fax, or online at www.voyage.gc.ca.

Canada operates over 260 consular offices in over 150 countries around the world. Consular officials can provide advice and information for items such as medical services, local laws and customs, replace lost or stolen passports and contact relatives or friends when you need serious help. If you do run into a problem abroad, whether a lost or stolen passport or something more serious, you can reach the nearest Canadian office through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Emergency Operations Centre. The offices and the Centre can be reached at 613-996-8885 and accepts collect calls, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can also reach them by email at sos@international.gc.ca.

My Pre-Budget Consultation meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on January 25 at the Aurora Cultural Centre, 33 Church Street.  This is an excellent opportunity to let your government know how you would like your federal tax dollars spent and your priorities for the future. An online survey is also available at www.loisbrown.ca and comments can always be faxed or mailed to my office. Many of your suggestions in the past have been implemented so please take the time to share your thoughts.

I wish you all the best for the coming New Year. I can always be reached by phone at 905-953-7515 or email at Lois.Brown@parl.gc.ca.