A Montreal woman seeking a passport renewal was informed by staff at the Guy Favreau Passport Office that her birthplace, Kfar Saba Israel, could not be entered on her application because of “the conflict,” according to a formal complaint filed with Service Canada.
The woman’s lawyer, Neil Oberman, a former Federal Conservative candidate in Mount Royal, said several employees repeated the same explanation and did not cite any regulation or written directive. Oberman said staff referred to an internal list that allegedly dictates how certain cities should be recorded but were unable to produce the document or describe its source.
In a public statement, Oberman said there is no federal rule that prevents Israel from being listed as a country of birth. He argued that the decision conflicts with the Canadian Passport Order, which requires factual information to be recorded as presented on a birth certificate or foreign passport.
Oberman has issued a demand letter to Service Canada requesting copies of any policies that address the recording of Israeli and Palestinian cities, training materials used at the Montreal office, and any internal guidance that may have informed the decision. He has also asked for an administrative review of the incident.
The case has drawn attention from members of the Jewish community in Montreal, who say they have not previously encountered restrictions on listing Israel as a birthplace in federal documents. Community leaders say they are awaiting clarification from the federal government on whether the incident reflects individual error or a broader issue within the passport program.
Service Canada has not yet responded to questions regarding the incident or confirmed whether an internal policy exists that addresses birthplaces in regions affected by political disputes.
Oberman said he expects a response from the department within the timeline outlined in his letter.
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