The Alberta government has taken another step to provide residents with “a single, secure document” for their identity and citizenship, adding a Canadian citizenship marker to driver’s licences. It’s a move the government says will streamline access to services, strengthen the election system and cut down on what the government perceives as “a mystery” involving Alberta health card numbers. “This is about more than convenience; it’s about trust. With a single, secure card proving both identity and citizenship, Albertans will face fewer hurdles when applying for government services. This will also strengthen the integrity of elections and other systems that rely on proof of citizenship,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on Monday. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said this change is “about making life easier for Albertans.” “By including citizenship information on these cards, we’re streamlining access to services and reducing the need to carry multiple documents,” he said. ‘Mystery’ around health care numbers Another reason why the province is adding citizenship to driver’s licences is to cut down on the number of Alberta health care cards that have been issued—a figure that far exceeds the number of licensed drivers here. Smith said there are 530,438 more numbers than Alberta residents based on the population estimates in 2025. “It’s one of the things that’s a bit of a mystery to us,” she said. “We don’t think there has been very good record-keeping by Alberta Health Services in this regard. Is it people who have passed away and their numbers haven’t been cancelled? Is it people who’ve moved to another jurisdiction and didn’t register with their new jurisdiction? Is it people who have left the country but maintain their Alberta health card so that they can come back for treatment? We don’t know.” Opposition New Democrats, however, warn the change could create new problems rather than solve old ones. Calgary-Klein MLA Lizette Tejada questioned the government’s motives, saying there is little clarity on what services actually require a citizenship marker. “My question now to the UCP is, would they be willing to illegally and unconstitutionally restrict programs that are available to legal residents of Canada?” she said. Tejada also argued the move undermines the government’s stated goal of cutting red tape. “It’s not a reduction of red tape, and instead, it’s creating a lot of it for people just trying to go about their business, to get their licences renewed.” The government says the tags will be added with no additional cost, but drivers in Alberta will need proof of citizenship or immigration status in order to obtain a licence. The citizenship marker will be added to all new and renewed driver’s licences starting in fall 2026.
