In July, the Alberta government will begin rolling out three-in-one identification cards, ultimately replacing the province’s long-reviled paper health cards.
Starting July 2, new driver’s licences and ID cards will include residents’ health numbers and citizenship markers, a move Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally says will streamline access to services.
“(Albertans) have been telling us they have too many pieces of ID in their wallet,” Nally said. “Frankly, their health care card is often disintegrating.
“There are a lot of benefits Albertans are entitled to that are exclusive to, particularly, citizens and permanent residents… permanent residents often have their (Permanent Resident card) readily accessible, but there’s many Albertans who can’t find their birth certificate.
“So they go to apply for these benefits… AISH, student aid, other health benefits…. and they have to go back and get their birth certificate first.”
Starting July 2, anyone visiting a registry agent to renew their card will be able to confirm their citizenship with a variety of documents, including a passport, birth certificate, or a NEXUS card among others.
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A “CAN” marker will then be added to the top right corner of cards issued to Canadian citizens.
Eligible Albertans who are citizens or permanent residents with Alberta Health Care or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage will receive cards with their Personal Health Number integrated on the back.
The minister says the card will feature the province’s new branding, including an oil pumpjack replacing the icon of a dinosaur fossil, and the words “Alberta Strong and Free” marking the back, along with 54 unique security features.
“There are roughly five million Albertans but there are five and a half million health cards in circulation,” Nally said. “That comes at a cost… we feel strongly (the cards) will pay for itself just for the security.”
The rollout of the new health care cards will cost $17 million over the next six years before all existing Alberta identification cards expire and are eventually replaced.
But Nally believes there will be a lot of people who may not wait until their expiry date.
“I’m embarrassed to show (my health card) at the doctor’s office,” Nally laughed. “We expect many Albertans are going to come early because of the convenience it offers.
While the enhanced cards will come at no additional charge, Nally says anyone renewing their licence will have to pay the regular fee, even if your old licence is still valid for a couple more years.
The province will also be offering a temporary 60-day extension of expiring licences to allow Albertans the necessary time to get the correct documents required for the new ID.
“We’re asking all Albertans to come to the registry after July 2nd with one of these forms of (proof of citizenship) and their health card as well, that will make it easy for everybody,” Nally said.
As for registries dealing with a potential influx of Albertans ready to get the new plastic, Nally doesn’t believe it’ll be an issue.
“Any time you do something for the first time, it’s going to be an additional step that people have to learn for sure… but (registries) are the crown jewel of privatization, they’re absolutely world-class and I have no doubt they’re up for the challenge.”
Ahh 2026, papers please. Sehr gut.
How do I get my meds if I loose my drivers licence?
this is a great idea , be able to identify the non Canadian immigrant’s that are slipping though the cracks
The moral indignity shown by some people is hilarious. I don’t see how the extra ink will weight me down and having all in one is handier. Just ticks me off a bit to think they stole some of idea from the nutjobs to the west. Oh well.
Who gave the UCP and Smith the idea that the card that shows we have the right to drive should have anything on it relating to health? And my citizenship status is found on my passport. It has nothing to do with driving either.
I am so happy I just renewed my card, and do not have to have this stuff on my driver’s license. – I will be removing it if it is not fixed in 5 years. We can always hope for a change in government and a return to common sense.