Alberta’s government is issuing new and renewed cards that will incorporate personal health numbers and Canadian citizenship markers as shown in this handout image.Government of Alberta/via The Canadian Press
Alberta’s government says it 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 personal health numbers and citizenship markers, a move Premier Danielle Smith’s government says will streamline access to services.
In a video posted to social media, Smith and Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally celebrated finally getting rid of the flimsy paper health cards.
“One card. That’s it,” Smith said. “And we’re doing it at no extra cost because Albertans shouldn’t have to pay more for something that just makes sense.”
But the inclusion of a citizenship marker – to appear as a Maple Leaf with “CAN” on the card – has drawn concern its absence will lead to discrimination.
The ID change, first announced late last year, comes as the province hurtles toward a referendum on Oct. 19, including on the question of holding a future vote on separating from Canada.
Smith’s United Conservative Party government is also putting five questions related to immigration policy to Albertans.
One referendum question would propose the province create its own Alberta-approved immigration status, and withhold services such as health care and education from newcomers who aren’t citizens, permanent residents or provincially approved.
Another question proposed introducing a law requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections.
Eventually, the cards – with the option for a photo and signature – will be made available for free for children under 14 who are eligible for provincial health-care insurance, although the government didn’t provide a specific timeline.
Youth between 12 and 13 years old may receive a free ID card with a personal health number starting next month.
The government said in a news release the new cards will have enhanced security features to protect against fraud.
Primary Health Minister Justin Wright said in the release that the new cards will improve “how information connects across the system,” making care more efficient and responsive.
The iconography of Alberta’s new ID card is changing, too.
An oil pumpjack replaces the icon of a dinosaur fossil, and the words “Alberta Strong and Free” mark the back.