Alberta to become first province with 'citizenship markers' on driver's licences, ID cards
Posted on: Sep 15, 2025 23:59 IST | Posted by: Cbc
The authorities of Alberta proclaimed mon that driver's licences and identification cards testament feature film "Canadian citizenship markers."
The change, which is the first of its kind in Canada, will roll out in late 2026, Premier Danielle Smith told reporters.
"We believe in making things better, faster and more convenient for everyone," she said.
Adding citizenship information to driver's licences allows for Albertans to more effectively apply for funding and services like student aid, health benefits and disability supports.
"This change means that when Albertans need to prove both their identity and their citizenship, they'll be able to do so with a single document," Smith said.
The change is "also about protecting our democracy," she said, noting that the change will help preserve the integrity and security of elections.
Smith said permanent residents and non-citizens living in Alberta will have no marker displayed on their card.
Albertans will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when applying for or renewing a driver's licence, according to the province.
Driver's licences incorporating Alberta health-care card information will roll out around the same time, Smith said.
"This will also provide additional security around health-care numbers," she said.
Smith said there are 530,438 more health-care numbers "than there are people living in Alberta."
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally, also present at the announcement, said "the way AHS was doing it previously just lacked security."
"In the fall of 2026, we will now know who has Alberta health-care cards," he said. "There won't be half a million fake ones, which opens up the door for abuses."
Nally said the federal government was consulted about the change.
"The feds cannot provide us with one single source of data that tells us who's Canadian, who's not," he said. "So that tells us right away that this is necessary."
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.