Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration

HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES OTTAWA, CANADA K1A 0A6

Comité permanent de la citoyenneté et de l'immigration

For immediate release

Ottawa, October 07, 2003 -

Ottawa, October 7, 2003 – Joe Fontana, MP (London North Centre), Chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, today tabled the Committee’s latest report in the House of Commons. The report summarizes the evidence that the Committee has heard thus far in its ongoing study of a proposed national identity card system. The interim report also outlines the questions that must be addressed before final recommendations can be made. In November 2002, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration proposed that Canadians engage in a full and informed discussion about the possibility of creating a national identity card. Minister Coderre further suggested that the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration would be an appropriate forum for such a discussion. The Committee held hearings across Canada in February 2003 at which the subject was addressed and subsequently held discussions with government officials and experts in privacy, biometrics and national identity systems in Europe and the United States. “The Committee was essentially given carte blanche to examine this important policy issue,” said Mr. Fontana. “While there is still not a specific identity card proposal to which Canadians can respond, it is hoped that this interim report will better clarify the basic questions that must be answered.” The Committee’s report sets out the main concerns expressed to date by Canadian witnesses, the majority of whom were opposed to a national identity card. “From the potential for privacy infringement to the likely cost of implementing such a scheme, we heard many well-considered and thoughtful submissions. Hopefully this report will provoke further discussion and debate and we encourage Canadians to contact us to express their viewpoints.”