Federal government has contracted external consultants to develop a centralized digital identification system that would consolidate access to all government documents and services, reports Blacklock’s Reporter. Department of Social Development announced the initiative but has not disclosed the cost or timeline for the project.According to a May 20 briefing note Digital Credentials Issue, the complexity of the proposed system requires "expertise we don't have in-house." The department stated it is following international best practices by seeking industry assistance for the ambitious undertaking."Building this kind of system is complex and requires certain specialized tools and expertise we don’t have in-house," said the briefing note."Based on international best practices we are asking industry to help.".The government has not released budget details for the project. No parliamentary committee has examined the contracting process to date. Department officials confirmed they are "moving to next steps to our engagement of external contractors."The new system would allow federal departments to issue digital versions of existing physical credentials. These digital documents, including work permits and boating licenses, would be stored in electronic wallets on users devices."Digital credentials are the secure, digital versions of physical documents like work permits or boating licenses that can be stored in a digital wallet," said the briefing note."They offer a quicker, safer, more secure and more cost effective way to access government services.".Currently, Canadians must use more than 60 separate federal systems, each requiring unique usernames and passwords, to obtain government documents. A companion document A Single Sign-In Portal For Government Services outlined plans to streamline this process through one unified access point.The department emphasized that digital identification would remain optional. Existing methods of accessing services through in-person visits, mail, or telephone would continue. Officials declined to estimate how many Canadians might adopt the digital system.."The use of an online service channel will remain voluntary and will not replace existing in-person, mail or telephone-based services," said the companion note. "More importantly it will be built with strong features for privacy and security because Canadians deserve both convenience and confidence when dealing with their government."However, internal government research from 2023 identified potential challenges with public acceptance. A Privy Council report from September 7, 2023, Continuous Qualitative Data Collection of Canadians' Views, warned that "widespread adoption of digital credentials by Canadians may be difficult to achieve especially among cohorts of society who may already be somewhat distrustful of public institutions."
