When your kid starts showing a preference for one of their stuffed animals, you’re supposed to buy a backup in case it goes missing.
I’ve heard this advice again and again, but never got around to buying a second plush deer once “Buddy” became my son’s obvious favorite. Neither, apparently, did the parents in Google’s newest ad for Gemini.
It’s the fictional but relatable story of two parents discovering their child’s favorite stuffed toy, a lamb named Mr. Fuzzy, was left behind on an airplane. They use Gemini to track down a replacement, but the new toy is on backorder. In the meantime, they stall by using Gemini to create images and vid …
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/international-passport-of-a-citizen-of-canada-on-a-suitcase.jpg?id=56667322&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=45%2C0%2C45%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're planning a trip but need to renew your <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canada-passport-global-ranking-2025" target="_blank">Canadian passport</a>, there's a new federal guarantee that might interest you. </p><p>Starting this year, if your complete application takes more than 30 business days to process, you'll get a full refund on the fees.</p><p> The March 7 announcement was made by Minister of Citizens' Services of Canada Terry Beech as part of the first <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-important-improvements-to-passport-services-and-the-release-of-the-first-state-of-service-report-839060789.html" target="_blank">State of Service Report</a>, aimed at improving efficiency in government services. And after the chaos of the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/the-federal-government-is-finally-making-progress-with-the-passport-canada-backlog" target="_blank">2022 passport crisis</a>, when massive lineups formed outside <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/canada-passport" target="_blank">Passport Canada</a> offices, the news is sure to be a relief for many travellers.</p><p>Here's how it works.</p><p>Whether you apply online, in person, or by mail, your passport should now be processed within 30 business days. If it's delayed, you’ll get your money back in full. However, the mailing time of your application and passport is not included in the 30-business-day period.</p><p>While the new measure is expected to roll out later this year, the exact start date hasn't been announced yet.</p><p>According to the government, the cost of a passport renewal depends on the validity period and the service chosen:</p><ul> <li>5-year passport: $120</li><li>10-year passport: $160</li></ul><p>Additional fees apply for faster processing are as follows:</p><ul><li>10 business days: +$20</li><li> 48-hour service: +$50</li><li> Same-day or next-day service: +$110</li></ul><p>These prices apply to applications made within Canada and may differ abroad. You can also use the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/check-passport-travel-document-application.html" target="_blank">online Passport Status Checker</a> to track your application.</p><p>The federal government also announced that they are planning to expand access to online passport renewals for more Canadians in the coming months. Since December 2024, only a select group of eligible adults have been able to use the service.</p><p>"Our government is working to make services more efficient, affordable, and better suited to the needs of Canadians," said Stéphane Lauzon, parliamentary secretary to the minister of citizens' services.</p><p>"We are modernizing service delivery and improving the passport program to reduce wait times and costs," Lauzon continued.</p><p><span></span>While it pays to have your passport delayed, let's be honest — it's still probably better to get it on time.</p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em>
