Ontario’s “enhanced driver’s licence”

Michael Geist
The Star
November 17, 2008

This week, the Ontario legislature will resume debate on Bill 85, proposed legislation that could lead to the creation of an “enhanced driver’s licence” in the province (referred to as an EDL).

• A d v e r t i s e m e n t

The introduction of the new licence – which will also be available as a photo card for non-drivers – has received little public attention despite the urgent concerns expressed by privacy commissioners and civil liberties groups. Indeed, barring an unlikely change of plans, the legislation could be passed within a matter of days.

The primary impetus behind the enhanced licence is the increased border security measures between Canada and the United States. As the U.S. increased identity card requirements for entry into the country (passports are now required at most border crossings) in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, government officials in both countries have sought to develop an alternative to the passport.

The EDL, which will embed new technologies including a radio frequency identification device (RFID) within the card, is the outcome of that work. While the enhanced card will be optional, it is expected that many residents may pay the extra fee for the EDL. Moreover, Ontarians will not be alone in this regard as other provinces and U.S. states have similar plans.

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