U.S. accepts McGuinty’s passport proposal changes

Government optimistic high tech driver's license will be accepted as passport alternative full details contained in the Ministry of Tourism news release below.

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TORONTO - The McGuinty government has successfully taken another step in its long campaign to defend tourism and trade from being damaged by the U.S. proposal to require passports to enter or re-enter the United States, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley said today.

"By working with like-minded U.S. legislators, we have already seen the deadline for requiring a passport at land crossings pushed back 17 months to June 2009. Now the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is advocating Ontario's youth exemption suggestions," said Bradley.

Prior to confirming a final rule, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking comment on its new proposal to exempt children under 16 and youths under 19 travelling in organized groups from the passport requirement. The department's new proposed rule mirrors earlier suggestions made by Ontario.

The McGuinty government has submitted comments to the department in support of the child and youth exemptions. Ontario also reiterated its recommendation that an existing, commonly carried document, such as a security-enhanced driver's license with a citizenship designation, should be accepted for both Canadians and Americans crossing into the United States. Additionally, for the first time, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff recently commented favourably about using high-tech licenses as a passport alternative.

"I am optimistic that by continuing to work with our American friends, we can convince the U.S. Administration to accept enhanced-security driver's licenses as an alternative to passports so we can keep the border flowing freely," Bradley said.

Bradley said progress on alternatives to passport requirements is being made because of the persistence of Canadians and Americans who live close to the border and understand the importance of a free-flowing border to tourism, trade, and family and personal ties.

Ontario is discussing with New York State a plan to phase in a more secure driver's licence. Washington State and Vermont have already begun voluntary programs to develop an enhanced driver's licence and identification card.

Ontario's new high-tech driver's license, with many additional security features, will go into use in December.

Premier Dalton McGuinty and Bradley have travelled to Washington several times to advocate for a driver's license with upgraded security features and a citizenship designation be used as a border-crossing document.

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