Latest available reports suggest that the Government of Canada has declared that--with a view to saving money and guard against possible identity thefts--they are slowly but gradually getting rid of the plastic Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards made available to a large number of the people of the country and others.
As it is known, all citizens of the country, permanent and temporary residents require a SIN to do a job in the nation, and/or to enjoy the many benefits and services that come from the various programs of the government. In other words, the 9-digit number is essential for the people to make use of the various existing programs of the government even as they also get to enjoy the many accompanying benefits. It is also the number used by the government officers to keep a watch on the actual income and taxes owed by an individual.
Come March 2014, and all citizens and migrants who get a fresh social insurance number will also get a letter from Ottawa that will identify their SIN. However, they will not get a plastic card.
Meanwhile, a concerned person was quoted as saying that together with an improved and enhanced protection given to the personal data of the Canadians this positive approach will also save the precious money of the ordinary taxpayers of the country, as there would not be the need to make available physical cards and replacements.
Another involved person--talking about the card in question--was quoted as saying that, as it is widely known, it is not an unusual plastic card. Since no security mechanisms exist on it, relying on the same as a tool for making-out clients could not be a wise thing to do.
It needs to be mentioned that the government has issued a warning to its people that in case they lose their SIN Card, they could be at a risk even while their identity could be stolen, and/or be used for certain unlawful activities.
Much unlike several other cards--including credit cards, or driver's licenses--the plastic SIN card does not have any security characteristics.
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