June 20, 2008

 

The following article is excerpted from the 4 June 2008 edition of the “Toronto Star”. Yesterday New York State announced creation of an enhanced drivers licence that the US Department of Homeland Security will accept as a WHTI-approved document.

 

Ontario plans to offer enhanced photo identification cards to non-drivers as an alternative to a passport when they travel to the United States, says Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.

 

Several provinces, including Ontario, have been pushing for enhanced drivers' licences to allow Canadians to cross by land or sea into the U.S.

 

But Ontario will also develop a high-tech photo ID card for the four million residents who don't have a valid driver's licence, under legislation introduced yesterday…

 

Under the proposed Photo Card Act, the province would offer both regular and "enhanced" licences for drivers and photo IDs for those who can't or don't drive.

 

The province is working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop the program, Bradley said….