NEW ALTERNATIVES FOR U.S. LAND BORDER CROSSINGS

Next spring Canadian citizens residing in Saskatchewan will have new, optional identification cards available for United States border land and water crossings.

The Saskatchewan government has approved a program that will offer an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or an enhanced identification card (EIC) as voluntary options for Saskatchewan residents to purchase through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). These cards will be available by June 1, 2009.

"Our government is committed to making cross-border travel easier for Saskatchewan residents and business owners," Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "These cards will appeal to some Canadians as they will be easy-to-use for anyone travelling to the U.S. by land and water for business or pleasure."

The application process for these cards will be rigorous, involving stringent security procedures. Further details will be announced later in 2008.

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which takes effect June 1, 2009, all Canadian citizens crossing the border by land and water will require either:

• a passport;
• NEXUS/FAST (cards that expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into the United States); or
• other secure identification approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security such as an EDL, EIC or Certificate of Indian Status Card.

"Increased border security is a fact of life, but it doesn't have to impact the relationship that Canadians have with their neighbours south of the border," Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Bill Boyd said. "The new enhanced driver's licences and enhanced identification cards will help ensure Saskatchewan residents can cross the border without any additional inconvenience."

More information about the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is available on the Canada Border Services Agency's website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Chris Clemett
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-775-6675
Email: cclemett@sgi.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-2348

Tyler McMurchy
Intergovernmental Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-7051