From the Reminder (Flin Flon)
Wed Jan. 21 2009
In a further step to the introduction of the North American Union, residents of Manitoba are now able to get an enhanced identification card (EIC). This card is expected to allow easier access to the US for those crossing the border, either by land or by water. This is a first for Canadians.
The logic with this new ID is that it’s a less-expensive alternative to a passport; the wallet-sized cards can be carried all the time and will allow spontaneous visits to the US.
This new program, introduced by the Manitoba Public Insurance, is being touted with the following most interesting highlight :
The card will make crossing the border more convenient by incorporating an RFID chip that can be read from a maximum distance of 4.5 meters by special scanners at US border crossings;
The RFID chip has a unique identifier number that points to information stored in a secure Canada Border Services database that is located in Canada;
For privacy protection, the card will come with a protective sleeve to help prevent the RFID chip from being read at times other than intended.
Problems I see are:
the unique identifier number. Another number for the government to track you with.
the collection and storage of personal information in a database located in Canada. Regardless of what is said, this personal information could be used by the government to keep tabs of your comings and goings.
This is moving us towards a North American ID system that could/will be implemented across the continent, in the similar way the European passport was issued. Say good-bye to our sovereignty!
