Ontario moving ahead with digital ID cards
· Toronto Sun
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OTTAWA — Ontarians are no strangers to their wallets being lighter these days, but this time it has nothing to do with the affordability crisis.
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On Friday, the Ontario government announced plans to move ahead with a phased rollout of digital ID cards and credentials — starting with the Ontario Photo Card.
“Our government is focused on innovation as part of our plan to make life more convenient for families and businesses across the province,” said Ontario Transport Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria in a statement.
“Digital options will offer families a convenient, secure, and fraud-proof method of accessing public and business services as we continue to grow our province.”
Digital IDs would be optional under legislation
Digital IDs can be securely stored on mobile devices, such as Apple Wallet on iOS devices, allowing users to store their drivers licence or health card alongside their bank cards, boarding passes and other electronic credentials.
Ontario’s purple photo ID card is the province’s standard form of identification for those without driver’s licences.
The program will also eventually include driver’s licences and health cards.
The process will include new legislation late next year that would make the digital IDs entirely optional — those wishing to retain and use their physical ID cards will be able to do so.
“Digital credentials will provide a trusted and seamless way to present identification, helping protect personal information while retaining every Ontario resident’s right to use physical I.D.,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.
Digital IDs already in the works for Alberta, B.C., Quebec
Beginning later this year, the province will hold public consultations over the move, with plans to introduce digital versions of the photo ID card at a future date.
“Today’s announcement, subsequent consultations and Ontario Photo Card use case testing will support the safe and secure introduction of optional digital driver’s licences and health cards at a later date,” read a statement from the province.
“The province will engage ministries, stakeholders and the public to inform this work and ensure any changes are introduced in a way that protects privacy, builds public trust and meets the needs of Ontarians.”
The move would align Ontario with other provinces that already allow for or are exploring digital IDs, including Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia.
More details are expected later this month, when the province releases its fall economic statement next Thursday.