new BC Services Card is designed to make it easier for B.C. residents to access provincial government services. Most of us will be able to use just one card:
- As a CareCard
- As a driver’s licence
- To access services that need a photo ID
Of course, nowadays staying safe includes keeping personal information secure. The BC Services Card takes advantage of modern card technology that provides better security features.
Plus, using ICBC's existing identity proofing and renewal processes will keep everyone’s personal information more secure and help prevent fraud like identity theft or misuse of government services.
The BC Services Card can be used as identification anywhere you currently present government-issued ID. It can also be used just like a CareCard to access health care services. Eventually, eligible B.C. residents can use it to access other provincial government services.
While you may use the card to access different services, your privacy is still protected. For example, a health care provider will not be able to see your driving record, while a police officer or ICBC employee will not have access to your health records.
While you may use your BC Services Card to access different services, your privacy is still protected. For example, a health care provider will not be able to see your driving record, while a police officer or ICBC employee will not have access to your health records.
Your personal information (i.e. the information printed on your card) is strictly collected for:
- Enrolment in the Medical Services Plan
- Application for a BC Services Card
- Access to government programs using the BC Services Card
BC Services Card policies and procedures regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information are governed by sections 26 (c) and 33 of
the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
This means that personal information collected when applying for a BC Services Card will only be used to confirm your identity and eligibility when you choose to enrol for a service. Your personal information will only be disclosed to government services you have accessed with your card. Unless it's authorized by law, your records will not be shared across agencies providing services.
If you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information, please contact:
Every BC Services Card has a chip embedded in it - similar to the ones used by credit and debit cards in Canada.
The chips do not store any personal information. The chips do contain a unique personal account number, a chip expiry date and unique internal keys that are used to prove the chip is genuine. It is almost impossible to duplicate the chip and it is locked when it is manufactured, meaning that it cannot be changed. This makes the BC Services Card very secure.
The chip must be tapped to be read; it cannot be read from a distance.
The systems developed to support the BC Services Card program also ensure that information is not inappropriately shared across the programs.
If your card is stolen, the chip can be de-activated to prevent someone else from using it.
In the future, the chip technology will allow you to access a service by tapping your card on a card reader. It will recognize your unique chip and validate your identity to the service provider. It's important to note that the card does not store any personal records like your health or driving record. Access to your records is protected by a passcode, similar to the Personal Identification Number (PIN) you use with your bank card.
source:
BC Services Card - Government ID - Province of B.C.