Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith announced full support for Saskatchewan Premier Moe’s refusal to accept Digital IDs as a condition for federal health care funding.

Last week, Moe wrote a letter to constituents who were concerned about the prospect of being forced to use a digital ID that provides data to the federal government.

On Friday, Smith fully endorsed Moe’s messaging.

“I agree and stand firmly with @PremierScottMoe in protecting Albertans’ private health information. I will ensure that any agreements with the Federal Government do NOT include the sharing of any such personal information with the Feds or third party. #cdnpoli #abpoli,” Smith tweeted.

Many Albertans on social media had wondered if Smith would echo Moe’s statements.

Last week, a letter surfaced that Moe had written to constituents that stated they don’t have to worry about a digital ID.

“The government of Saskatchewan is not creating a Digital ID nor will we accept any requirements for the creation of a digital ID tied to healthcare funding.”

Moe further said his government wouldn’t share any personal medical information with the feds.

“This information is protected under The Health Information Protection Act and will remain so,” he said.

As Canadians increasingly look for security in the digital landscape, two major players have emerged in the conception, design, and development of Canada’s Digital ID — including one with close ties to the World Economic Forum (WEF). 

In August, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government unveiled its ambitious federal “Digital Identity Program.”

As first reported by True North’s Cosmin Dzsurdzsa, included in Canada’s Digital Ambition 2022 are details about how the federal government is building a digital identity infrastructure that will affect all Canadians. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for government services to be accessible and flexible in the digital age. The next step in making services more convenient to access is a federal Digital Identity Program, integrated with pre-existing provincial platforms,” the report reads.