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“Not Implementing”: Ottawa Shuts Down Mandatory National Digital ID Rumours
If you’ve been worried about being forced to use a digital ID to pay your taxes or access federal services, Ottawa’s latest official response offers a rare, clear answer.
In a new sessional paper response released this week, the federal government says it has no plans to introduce a mandatory national digital ID. The response, highlighted by Michael Geist, appears to push back on renewed speculation about where federal digital ID efforts are headed.
The response was issued after Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu asked whether the government was planning to implement a digital identification system that would be required to access government services and pay taxes, and what the timelines would be.
The government’s reply was direct. It said “the Government of Canada is not implementing a federal or national digital identification credential.”
While distancing itself from the idea of a national ID, the government confirmed it is still working on modernizing digital services. According to the response, the Canadian Digital Service is building shared platforms that would let federal departments offer digital versions of existing credentials, such as permits or licences. This work includes a project called GC Issue and Verify, as well as a new GC Sign in system to confirm a user’s identity online.
The government stressed that these tools would be optional. It said people and businesses will still be able to access services by phone or in person and continue using physical credentials. As the response puts it, “Using these on-line platforms will be completely voluntary for people and businesses in Canada.”
For privacy advocates, that point matters. The government also stated there are “no plans or progress to report on the implementation of a national digital identification system, as one is not being implemented.”
Digital credentials are likely to remain a hot policy topic, but for now, Ottawa appears unwilling to reopen the political and privacy backlash that would come with a mandatory national ID. The focus remains on optional digital tools tied to existing services, not a centralized national digital identity, according to Geist.
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Meanwhile. the vast majority of people would love to have their ID in digital form so they don't need to provide the plastic card to confirm ID or coverage. I suppose who are against digital ID are probably against sending documents by email, even encrypted email. They insist on sending documents by carrier pigeon, fax, or mail.
Meanwhile. the vast majority of people would love to have their ID in digital form so they don't need to provide the plastic card to confirm ID or coverage.
I suppose those who are against digital ID are probably against sending documents by email, even encrypted email. They insist on sending documents by carrier pigeon, fax, or mail. Likewise, some financial institutions still insist on a physical bank teller's stamp for direct deposit or bank account linking and sending by mail risking identity theft. I remember when Revenue Canada /CRA was still sending full SIN on tax forms and letters.
just give our information to apple and google for digital id ok, they have enough of information already. digital cards is for the people who want wallet free life style and the old people can stick to cards, accept both. eventually they will phase out physical but digital is the better way and they can always update and improve it. yes there will be scams but there are already with physical. i can tell the government doesn't put money into their services. i used the my service canada website, it was pure garbage in a design work flow sense, half the links dont even work and lead to error. CRA website is ok but, it needs an app and 2FA other then text. my 2cents