The Alberta government revealed on Monday that driver’s licenses and ID cards will soon include “Canadian citizenship markers.” Premier Danielle Smith shared that this initiative, a first in Canada, is set to be implemented by late 2026, aiming to enhance efficiency and accessibility for all citizens. The inclusion of citizenship information on these IDs will enable Albertans to streamline processes for accessing various services such as student aid, health benefits, and disability support.
Smith emphasized that this adjustment will simplify the verification of both identity and citizenship, consolidating these requirements into a single document. The government also highlighted the significance of safeguarding democracy through this measure, underscoring its role in upholding the integrity and security of electoral processes.
Furthermore, permanent residents and non-citizens residing in Alberta will not have a citizenship marker displayed on their cards. However, concerns have been raised regarding the necessity of this marker, with critics, including the Alberta NDP’s Lizette Tejada, expressing apprehension over potential bureaucratic hurdles and the lack of exclusive programs for Canadian citizens.
The decision to add citizenship status to driver’s licenses has sparked privacy and discrimination concerns, as noted by civil liberties lawyer David Fraser. While proponents argue that this change will facilitate access to benefits and services, critics fear it could lead to discrimination against non-Canadians. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally assured that there will be no discrimination, emphasizing the intended purpose of simplifying bureaucratic processes.
Consultation with the federal government preceded this alteration, with the incorporation of Alberta health-care card information into driver’s licenses anticipated concurrently. The move is part of a broader overhaul of Alberta’s driver’s license and ID card system aimed at enhancing security and functionality without imposing additional costs on applicants. The new IDs will bear a “CAN code” as the citizenship marker, reflecting the province’s commitment to modernizing identification processes.
