New BC Care Cards, Drivers Licence Coming February 2013

British Columbia is overhauling its CareCard system, and the card required by every resident in the province in order to obtain medical services is about to become even more powerful.

A release from the health ministry says a program to replace CareCards with the BC Services Card will begin on Feb. 15 and will continue over the next five years.

The new card will include a photograph, anti-forgery features, a five-year expiry date and other measures to ensure it remains a secure piece of identification.

Despite concerns from privacy advocates, the BC Services Card will also be combined with a driver’s licence.

Most residents will get their new card as they renew their licence, while non-drivers and children will also enrol at locations where driver’s licences are issued.

CareCards were first introduced in 1989 and have been criticised for fraud-prone, outdated technology.