As fervently as Smith is promoting this as an administrative solution to an as-yet defined problem, in actuality this has deeply concerning undertones.
This government is creating and spending taxpayer money on so much unnecessary “red tape”. This stands as another example. Apparently, it’s not red tape when it’s blue!
In MAGALand, red tape is anything that prevents business owners and CEOs from making more money, as fast as possible. Screwing over ordinary folks? Heck, that ain't red tape, it's just good government!
This is designed to raise the spectre of “thòse foreigners” voting. Which has never been proven? But who in the right wing hate machine cares about data and proof. It is similar to the slogans about crime being bleated about by the newest MP from Alberta. Violent crime and assault are down along with car theft. Yet we get sloganeering. The Toronto Police published on one of the platforms the data and graphs showing crime rates. Create fear and hate and get the votes. Never mind the resulting destruction of civic discourse.
Having more information, like a healthcare number, on one piece of ID seems to me to increase the odds of identity fraud if the license is lost or stolen. Thank you for this article outlining other concerns.
The other thing Smith mentioned is that there as "500,000" extra AB healthcare numbers floating around, and suggested that this is some kind of massive fraud. (Talking Point 4 in the Young Republican's Political Handbook: "Claim voter fraud!")
Does this make any sense at all? Where did this number come from? How many are deceased people?
I just went last week and paid for an ID card. My vision prevents me from driving. Many people not as able to pay will not be able to vote or address health issues. We really need to tell smith and all of the conservatives, which are now taken over by trump fascist like goons that it's time for them to go.
And as it is not within the province's jurisdiction to determine citizenship I am wondering whether, other than for delivering the noted federal services, it has the constitutional or other legal authority to force me to prove my citizenship to a registry agent?
This article made me think of a related issue. Why can't permanent residents vote? They pay taxes. Seems like what the US rebellion was about - no taxation without representation.
I fully agree with Jared assessment of this dog-whistle move by Smith. One thing I do not understand is when he says. " Presumably it will take a decade to phase out existing licenses, which have 10 year expiry periods." I have had an Alberta dr9ver license since I was 16 years old. That is like six decades and the longest expiry period I have ever had was 5 years. I think Jared confused the expiry time of drivers licenses (5 years) and Canadian passports (10 years). Could this be another distraction from all the healthcare scandals and other seemingly corrupt practices of the Smith government. Perhaps if it takes 10 years to change all the DLs, she figures she will be the President of Oilberta.
Right! Crisis in healthcare (real)? Corruption in healthcare (alleged)? Degradation of the environment (real)? Pending teachers' strike (real)?
Look - squirrel!
As fervently as Smith is promoting this as an administrative solution to an as-yet defined problem, in actuality this has deeply concerning undertones.
This government is creating and spending taxpayer money on so much unnecessary “red tape”. This stands as another example. Apparently, it’s not red tape when it’s blue!
In MAGALand, red tape is anything that prevents business owners and CEOs from making more money, as fast as possible. Screwing over ordinary folks? Heck, that ain't red tape, it's just good government!
Well said. Another case of ready- shoot- aim.
Unbelievable !
This is designed to raise the spectre of “thòse foreigners” voting. Which has never been proven? But who in the right wing hate machine cares about data and proof. It is similar to the slogans about crime being bleated about by the newest MP from Alberta. Violent crime and assault are down along with car theft. Yet we get sloganeering. The Toronto Police published on one of the platforms the data and graphs showing crime rates. Create fear and hate and get the votes. Never mind the resulting destruction of civic discourse.
Another deeply concerning proposal from this government. The "dog whisle" could not be clearer.
That was my first thought as well.
Having more information, like a healthcare number, on one piece of ID seems to me to increase the odds of identity fraud if the license is lost or stolen. Thank you for this article outlining other concerns.
Excellent, in-depth examination of this deeply flawed proposal from the UCP. (The latest of many.)
The other thing Smith mentioned is that there as "500,000" extra AB healthcare numbers floating around, and suggested that this is some kind of massive fraud. (Talking Point 4 in the Young Republican's Political Handbook: "Claim voter fraud!")
Does this make any sense at all? Where did this number come from? How many are deceased people?
I also wonder what happens to those people who don't have a driver's licence.
I just went last week and paid for an ID card. My vision prevents me from driving. Many people not as able to pay will not be able to vote or address health issues. We really need to tell smith and all of the conservatives, which are now taken over by trump fascist like goons that it's time for them to go.
And as it is not within the province's jurisdiction to determine citizenship I am wondering whether, other than for delivering the noted federal services, it has the constitutional or other legal authority to force me to prove my citizenship to a registry agent?
Excellent reasoned rebuttal to the UCP unwarranted initiative
This article made me think of a related issue. Why can't permanent residents vote? They pay taxes. Seems like what the US rebellion was about - no taxation without representation.
I fully agree with Jared assessment of this dog-whistle move by Smith. One thing I do not understand is when he says. " Presumably it will take a decade to phase out existing licenses, which have 10 year expiry periods." I have had an Alberta dr9ver license since I was 16 years old. That is like six decades and the longest expiry period I have ever had was 5 years. I think Jared confused the expiry time of drivers licenses (5 years) and Canadian passports (10 years). Could this be another distraction from all the healthcare scandals and other seemingly corrupt practices of the Smith government. Perhaps if it takes 10 years to change all the DLs, she figures she will be the President of Oilberta.
My Alberta Heathcare paper “card” has served me well for 30+ years now - all 18 fragments of it