June, 2001

New photo driver's licence a hit with Saskatchewan drivers

Saskatchewan drivers are embracing SGI’s new photo driver’s licence as nearly 40,000 photo identification cards have been issued since the launch of the program in March of this year.

“We are very happy with the initial success of our photo driver’s licence,” said Bernadette McIntyre, SGI’s Assistant Vice President of the Auto Fund. “Our equipment is running smoothly and we’ve really had a positive response from drivers that have received their photo ID.”

The roll out of equipment and training for all motor licence issuers throughout the province was completed at the end of May and all 450 motor licence issuing offices in Saskatchewan are now fully operational.

To ease the transition for Saskatchewan motorists, the program is being phased in over two years.

“Beginning July 1, 2001, drivers are being invited to have their photo taken, at no additional cost, when they renew their annual driver’s licence,” McIntyre said. “It will be mandatory for all drivers to have the new photo driver’s licence by June 1, 2003.”

SGI is following the lead of virtually every other jurisdiction in North America by introducing a mandatory photo driver’s licence for Saskatchewan residents.

“The new ID moves Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence into the 21st century,” McIntyre added. “It is very difficult to counterfeit, it assists in the prevention of liquor sales to minors, it is an acceptable form of photo ID for people travelling throughout North America and the procedure for getting it is quick and easy for motorists.”

More information is available by phoning SGI’s Customer Service Centre at 1-800-667-9868.

For more information, contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
Assitant Vice President, Auto Fund
SGI
Regina
(306) 751-1527

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