TORONTO - A coalition of privacy, consumer and civil liberties groups says Ontario should cancel plans to develop enhanced photo identification cards as an alternative to a passport when travelling to the United States.
The group says the high-tech cards and driver's licences are a waste of money and a potential privacy nightmare.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says the cards would lay the groundwork for a new identity regime whose effects are not yet known.
It's raising its concerns today before a committee that is considering legislation that would allow the province to develop and offer the cards.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley introduced the bill in June, saying the move will reduce congestion at the border as the U.S. steps up security in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Next June, all travellers to the U.S. will have to present either a passport or an acceptable alternative.
