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Identity Cards in Canada |
National Identity Cards - The Next Step?
Canada looks to biometrics to fight terrorism
In addition to the measures outlined in the Anti-terrorism Act (Bill C-36), the federal
government is considering implementing national identity cards. At the request of federal
Immigration Minister Denis Coderre, the House of Commons Immigration Committee on Citizenship
and Immigration is holding hearings on the issue.
Both internal and external pressures are behind the Minister’s request. At home, the
federal government wants to strengthen national security by making it harder for terrorists
to enter the country. In addition to national security concerns, Coderre believes biometric
cards will help corporations tackle the growing problem of identity theft. In 2001,
nearly 12,000 Canadians were the victims of some form of identity fraud.
Externally, Canadians may soon need national identification cards to enter the United
States. In October 2001, the United States passed legislation making it easier for border
customs officials to identify foreign travelers who may pose a security risk. The US
Patriot Act requires all foreigners entering the country to show ID displaying fingerprints
or other biometric data. While diplomats are working to obtain an exemption for Canadians,
national ID cards would be one way to solve the problem.
What are National Identity Cards?
Many Canadians question the need for a new piece of identification. We already carry
several pieces of ID, including driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and passports.
Why aren’t these enough?
The difference between traditional identification cards and the proposed new national
identity cards comes down to technology. Today, several countries have instituted national
identity cards that make use of biometrics – the scientific collection and analysis
of biological data. Biometric data includes fingerprints, iris scans, and face scans
–traits that are unique to every individual. In addition, “smart cards” have a built-in
microchip that can hold large amounts of data on individuals, including a signature
and photograph.
What are the Relevant Issues?
The Citizenship and Immigration Committee is considering several National ID card issues:
Should the card be mandatory or voluntary? If mandatory, should everyone in Canada
be required to carry one at all times? Who would have the authority to demand to see
the cards?
- What type of biometric data should be used?
- What level of government should be responsible? (Currently, the federal government
has responsibility for passports, while the provinces are responsible for issuing
driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates).
- What information besides biometric data should be included on the card?
Privacy Commissioner George Radwanski argues that once the cards are implemented, it
is unrealistic to expect their use to remain voluntary. Businesses, authorities, and
other officials will begin demanding them for identification. Furthermore, it will undoubtedly
become more difficult for Canadians to cross the United States border without one. If
implemented, the national identity card may replace the Canadian passport; civil libertarians
fear that it may become a defacto internal passport as well.
As for biometric data, Canada will probably use fingerprint data. A recent Canwest
News Services report revealed that the federal government planned to hire a New York
based firm to study the strengths and weaknesses of various types of fingerprint readers.
Only Canadian citizens would carry the cards, as permanent residents are already required
to carry the Maple Leaf card, which can be modified to include biometric identifiers.
(The Maple Leaf Card is a card for Permanent Residents that was introduced at the same
time that the government made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Act in June 2002.
It replaces the Immigrant Visa/Record of Landing previously issued to individuals when
they attained permanent residents status).
Do We Need a National Identity Card?
There are several arguments for and against implementing biometric identity cards.
Arguments in Favor of Biometric ID Cards
- They are more secure than other pieces of identification. Unlike a passport or
driver’s license, they contain data that is unique to the individual. Corporations
and authorities such as customs agents and law enforcement officials can determine
(with a high degree of certainty) whether or not the biometric traits of the cardholder
match those on the card.
- National ID cards containing biometric data would make it easier for Canadians
to travel abroad. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, international identification
standards are changing rapidly. Foreign travelers may soon need a stronger piece of
identification than a passport.
- It would help immigration officials screen out suspected terrorists. Canada has
come under increasing criticism for its comparatively lax immigration laws. Critics
claim Canada is a haven for terrorists wanting to use Canada as a springboard for
entering the United States.
Arguments Against Biometric ID Cards
- Obtaining a biometric ID card still depends on the presentation of documents such
as a birth certificate and driver’s license. A biometric ID card can verify that the
cardholder’s biological data matches the data on the card. However, it is still possible
that the cardholder obtained the card under a fraudulent name.
- The scanning technique is not 100 percent accurate. It is possible to have a false
positive reading. (In 2002, a Japanese scientist made headlines when he successfully
fooled biometric fingerprint readers using a fake finger made from Gummi bears). This
could lead to errors in airports and other institutions that would make extensive
use of the ID cards.
- If the cards were voluntary, individuals who chose not to get one would look suspicious.
- They can give a false sense of security. Many of the hijackers involved in the
September 11th attacks were in the United States legally.
- They pose a threat to our right to privacy. The more that the cards are used, the
greater the number of persons that have access to an individual’s private information.
- There is the possibility of abuse by law enforcement officials and other authorities
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