Alberta’s information and privacy commissioner is questioning the provincial government’s plan to include citizenship information on driver’s licences.

At a news conference Monday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the province would add citizenship markers to allow Albertans to more effectively apply for funding and services like student aid, health benefits and disability supports.

The change is “also about protecting our democracy,” Smith said, noting that the government believes it will help preserve the integrity and security of elections.

The change will start in late 2026.

Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and B.C. all once featured enhanced driver’s licences that listed citizenship, but have since discontinued issuing them. The enhanced driver’s licences were optional and intended to expedite travel to the U.S.

Alberta would be the first province to make citizenship markers mandatory.

WATCH | Alberta to add proof of citizenship on driver’s licences: 

Alberta to add proof of citizenship on driver’s licences | Hanomansing Tonight

The government of Alberta announced that driver’s licenses and identification cards will feature ‘Canadian citizenship markers.’ A privacy lawyer weighs in.

In a statement to CBC News Tuesday, privacy commissioner Diane McLeod said her office was unaware of the initiative until it was announced.

“Citizenship can be sensitive information and, keeping in mind that driver’s licences are often used as proof of age in many locations, the government would have to demonstrate how any benefit of having that information included on a driver’s licence would outweigh the privacy risks,” McLeod wrote.

McLeod said it is unclear how the inclusion of citizenship markers will benefit Albertans.

She said it is not clear whether the provincial government as a public body is allowed to collect that type of personal information, which requires authorization by the Protection of Privacy Act, adding that her office has not yet received a privacy impact assessment.

A privacy impact assessment helps to identify and address possible privacy and security risks that could occur when personal or health information is processed, according to the information and privacy commissioner’s website. 

At an unrelated news conference Wednesday, Smith said the incorporation of the new mandatory marker would ensure that Alberta was “prioritizing those who are Canadian citizens first” in accessing social services. 

“I would say that there is absolutely an overwhelming need for us to be able to ensure that the programs that we offer are being accessed by Canadian citizens, and that we can demonstrate that to the auditor general,” she said. 

Smith said the auditor general often chides the province for not doing “a better job of making sure that the people who are receiving programs are entitled to them.”

“And so we’re acting on some of the directions that we’ve received from another independent officer,” Smith said. 

In an interview with CBC News Wednesday, McLeod said even if the privacy office disagrees with the move, the province can still enact its plan.

“If we have concerns about the ultimate privacy rights of Albertans, we will make our views known,” McLeod said.

“But it is up to government to make that determination as to what they do and have the legislative authority to enact laws that permit them to undertake those activities.”