Alberta’s information and privacy commissioner is questioning the provincial government’s plan to include citizenship information on driver’s licences.
At a news conference Monday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the province would add citizenship markers to allow Albertans to more effectively apply for funding and services like student aid, health benefits and disability supports.
The change is “also about protecting our democracy,” Smith said, noting that the government believes it will help preserve the integrity and security of elections.
The change will start in late 2026. Alberta would be the first province to make citizenship markers mandatory.
In a statement to CBC News Tuesday, privacy commissioner Diane McLeod said her office was unaware of the initiative until it was announced.
“Citizenship can be sensitive information and, keeping in mind that driver’s licences are often used as proof of age in many locations, the government would have to demonstrate how any benefit of having that information included on a driver’s licence would outweigh the privacy risks,” McLeod wrote.
McLeod said it is unclear how the inclusion of citizenship markers will benefit Albertans.
She said it is not clear whether the provincial government as a public body is allowed to collect that type of personal information, which requires authorization by the Protection of Privacy Act, adding that her office has not yet received a privacy impact assessment.
A privacy impact assessment helps to identify and address possible privacy and security risks that could occur when personal or health information is processed, according to the information and privacy commissioner’s website.
More to come.
