Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Transportation is now issuing the new secure digital driver's licence and general identification card to residents of the Northwest Territories.

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Following the events of September 11, 2001, the Department of Transportation participated in a North America-wide initiative to develop and implement national standards with respect to driver's licences. The driver's licence is now the identification document of choice throughout Canada and the United States. I am pleased to say that our new licence and identification card fully conform to these standards.

With the introduction of the digital driver's licence, new procedures and security were implemented. Specific types of identity and residence documents are now required from clients when applying for a new driver's licence or general identification card to ensure a safe and secure system. The department has also introduced the option of obtaining a licence for one or three years, in addition to the five-year term that is currently available.

To date, approximately 4,000 driver's licences and 150 general identification cards have been issued with the Honourable Anthony Whitford, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, receiving the first new licence.

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, a number of years ago the Department of Transportation stopped sending out notices to drivers that their licence was about to expire. This was part of a cost-cutting exercise. I am pleased to announce that the Department of Transportation has reintroduced the program.

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Renewal notices are now being mailed out 45 days prior to the driver's licence expiration date.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that the Department of Transportation has brought about some significant changes that will ensure the continued acceptance and recognition of the NWT driver's licence as a secure form of identification throughout North America. I would like to thank Members of this House for their support of this initiative. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.