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Privacy and Security
Proactive Disclosure

Frequently asked questions about epass

What is an epass? Do I need one?

An epass is a secure User ID and password that identifies you, and ensures that messages or documents that you send to the Government online are not altered. You need an epass to:

submit applications to the CRTC
send information to any Government service that requires epass security
sign an online Government document

You can use one epass for different services and departments, or you can have several different epasses. Your epass won't expire if you use it at least once a year.

What is an electronic signature?

When you're sending files electronically, it's not feasible for you to sign documents with your signature in your handwriting. So, your epass User ID and password act as your electronic signature. To electronically sign a document, enter your unique password for the User ID provided. It's considered to be the equivalent of signing a document.

How do I get an epass?

To get an epass you need to:

request an activation code which you will use once, the first time you log in to epass
register for epass

1. To request an activation code, call the CRTC's Documentation Centre Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 08:30 to 16:30, Eastern Time at:

1-866-893-0932 or
TTY (toll free) 1-877-909-2782

You'll receive an activation code. If this is the first contact you've had with CRTC, you'll be asked to provide certain identifying information (such as name, address, etc.) in order to receive an activation code.

If you don't use your activation code within 14 days, it expires, and you'll need to get a new one.

2. To register for epass, go to epass Canada, then select Register.

Follow the instructions to:

create a User ID
select Recovery questions and answers; these help to verify your identity in case you forget your password
create a password
electronically sign the epass Terms and Conditions of Use
TTY (toll free) 1-877-909-2782

You're returned to the CRTC Web site.

3. Enter the activation code you received in Step 1. You need to activate epass in order to send files securely.

How secure is epass information?

All registration information that you provide is protected under the federal Privacy Act.

To safeguard security:

do not share your registration information
do not share your User ID and password with anyone - even family members
memorize your password instead of writing it down
ensure that your password is meaningful to you but meaningless to others

To maximize security:

do not use your name for your User ID
do not use personal numbers like birthdays or anniversaries, partial telephone numbers, family names or names of pets
change your password every 3 to 6 months
do not leave your computer unattended once you have logged in
close your browser after you complete a session

What if I forget my User ID?

Call epass Canada for instructions at: 1-866-EPASS-GC (1-866-372-7742).

What if I forget my password?

Go to epass Canada.
Select Forgot your password? then follow the steps.

How do I change my User ID or password?

Go to epass Canada.
Log in.
Select Manage My epass.
Select Change Your User ID or Change Your Password, then follow the steps.

How do I revoke my epass?

If you don't think you need epass any more, or if you suspect that someone knows your User ID and password, you can revoke your epass.

Go to epass Canada.
Log in.
Select Manage My epass.
Select Revoke Your epass, then follow the steps.

Call epass Canada at 1-866-EPASS-GC (1-866-372-7742).

When you revoke your epass, you won't have access to any epass services, including those of the CRTC. If you still need to send applications to the CRTC or do any other secure transmissions, you'll need to get a new epass. Click on How do I get an epass? for more information.

What is the maximum file size that can be submitted with epass?

The maximum size of a zipped file with epass is 2MB. You can attach more than one zipped file, however, the total maximum size for all attachments is 10MB.

Do I need epass for secure access to the Data Collection System?

If you participated in the data collection process recently, you already have epass. Your User ID and password are valid for up to one year from the last time they were used. If you've forgotten your User ID or password, it has been more than one year since you accessed the Data Collection System (DCS) or you do not have a User ID and password, you'll need to get a new epass.

1. Use the DCS Contact form to provide your name, title, company, telephone number, postal address and email address. Once we have reviewed this information, you will be issued an activation code.