Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 1, 2008

Manitoba Takes Next Step Toward Enhanced Driver's Licence And Identification Cards



Proposed legislative amendments have been introduced which would allow Manitoba to develop a voluntary enhanced driver’s licence as well as an identification card that would meet border travel requirements in the United States, Attorney General Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), announced today.
 
“We are continuing to make progress towards a system that will offer Manitobans a new, affordable and secure form of identification,” Chomiak said. “This system will improve security and facilitate the flow of citizens across the border and meet identification needs here at home.”
 
Manitoba has been working closely with several provinces, the Canadian government and the United States to develop an enhanced driver’s licence as well as an identification card for non-drivers, both of which would meet U.S. cross-border requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
 
The U.S. has stated that, as of June 1, 2009, all Canadians entering that country by land or sea will have to present an approved document confirming their citizenship and identity. Manitoba is striving to create an enhanced drivers’ licence as well as an identification card for non-drivers for land or sea entry that will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Passports will still be required for air travel.
 
Under the new system, Manitoba drivers would be able to choose either a regular or enhanced licence, while non-drivers would be able to apply for a regular or enhanced ID card. One-part driver’s licences, streamlined renewals and an improved merit discount system will also be supported as part of the proposed legislation.
 
“Ensuring the two-way flow of citizens across the border is important to a province like Manitoba,” Chomiak added. “With only 31 per cent of Manitobans holding passports and the majority of our population living within 150 kilometres of the border, much of the travel is short-term and spontaneous.”
 
“Manitoba is a trade and tourism province with close ties to our U.S. neighbours, particularly North Dakota and Minnesota, with the benefits flowing both ways across the border,” the minister concluded. “In 2004, almost half of all U.S. visits to Manitoba were same-day trips that injected about $20 million into our economy. We believe these new cards will help maintain and enhance Manitoba’s long-standing, friendly relationship with our U.S. neighbours.” 
The improvements will be introduced over two years:
·         Autumn 2008 – A new provincial photo identification card will be available for those who do not have a Manitoba driver’s licence. In addition to the regular photo ID card, Manitoba will pilot a card with enhanced security features that will allow Manitobans to cross into the United States without a passport.  This enhanced ID card will be available by special application.
·         Autumn 2009 – Manitoba will introduce a new one-piece driver’s licence for all Manitoba drivers. An enhanced version incorporating the new identity standards and meeting border-crossing requirements will be available also.  This will be rolled out in combination with a modified merit discount/surcharge program and a more convenient, streamlined renewal process.
 
Manitoba Public Insurance will deliver these improvements through the system used to create and renew provincial driver’s licences.  Implementation will be rolled out over time because computer systems will need to be changed and some aspects of certain initiatives will need to be approved by the public regulator.
 
“These improvements will require a significant investment and so we want to make sure that we provide people the best value by combining various projects,’’ MPI president and CEO Marilyn McLaren said.  “By moving ahead with a staged process, we can link changes to identity requirements with customer service enhancements and a new safe driving rewards program, which the Public Utilities Board has been calling for, all of which will provide Manitobans with long-term value.”
 
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