TORONTO, Ont. — Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced this morning that the province will launch a new state-of-the-art drivers licence.

“We’re on the side of Ontarians concerned about safety,” said Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield. “To meet today’s security needs we are introducing a new card with technologies and security features to protect holders from identify theft and make it more difficult to tamper with or counterfeit.”

While there is not yet any word on whether or not a drivers citizenship will be included on the licence, officials did say they will continue to pursue efforts to have the high-tech licence accepted in place of a passport under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Premier McGuinty and other premiers recently returned from a trip to Washington where they called upon US officials to accept secure drivers licences in lieu of passports under the WHTI initiative.

“America is a key trading partner, neighbour and friend to Canada, and safe and secure border crossings are critical to both nations,” said Cansfield. “The proposed new high-security driver’s licence card could be a workable solution for families, businesses and governments on both sides of the border that increases security and protects cross-border trade and tourism. We need to balance security measures with the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.”

Ontario officials said the latest technology will be used to design the new card. It will be produced by Markham, Ont.-based Giesecke and Devrient Systems.

“The new, more secure driver’s license is an important part of our efforts to keep our border with the United States safe while maintaining free-flowing trade and travel,” said Tourism Minister Jim Bradley.

The new card will be available in late 2007.