REGINA — Saskatchewan is joining the ranks of jurisdictions offering a passport alternative in response to new border crossing rules on the horizon.

The Saskatchewan government has approved a program to offer an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or an enhanced identification card (EIC) as voluntary options for Saskatchewan residents.

The new cards will be available by June 1, 2009, which is the day the new rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) are set to kick in.

"These cards will appeal to some Canadians as they will be easy-to-use for anyone travelling to the U.S. by land and water for business or pleasure," said Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff.

The application process for the new cards will be rigorous, involving stringent security procedures. Exact details of the process will be released later in the year.

Under the WHTI, everyone entering the U.S. by air, land and water will be required to show proof of citizenship using either a passport, a NEXUS/FAST card, or other secure identification approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security such as an EDL, EIC or Certificate of Indian Status Card.