Recently, CNIB learned the online renewal process for the Ontario Health Card requires a current driver’s licence number. This requirement is unacceptable because it prevents Ontarians who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind from renewing their health card online.
Given that Ontarians with sight loss are entitled to the same level of service as others, CNIB wrote to Christine Elliott, Minister of Health and Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services to consider the Ontario Photo Card as an alternative form of ID. Unfortunately, CNIB hasn’t received a response to the original letter, or the follow-up letter. We will continue to request the Ministers work with us to find a solution.
If you’ve encountered barriers with renewing your Ontario Health Card online, we want to hear from you. Please email us at advocacy@cnib.ca.
Original Letter
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Dear Minister Elliott & Minister Thompson,
It has been brought to our attention by Ontarians who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind that they are unable to renew their Ontario Health Card online through the Government of Ontario website because the form requires a driver’s licence number.
When providing services to the public, it is important for the Government of Ontario to keep in mind that section 1 of the Ontario Human Rights Code states the following:
"Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability".
Therefore, people with sight loss are entitled to the same level of service as anyone else.
As it currently stands, the requirement that Ontarians hold valid driver's licences in order to renew their health cards online disproportionately affects Ontarians with sight loss because people who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind are not legally permitted to drive or possess a driver's licence. Therefore, they do not have equal access to completing the form online. This will also affect other demographics who are less inclined or able to drive for socio-economic reasons.
Many Ontarians with sight loss face additional barriers when they attend Service Ontario centres. For example, the "take a ticket" waiting system requires someone to read a paper ticket and electronic display screen. Furthermore, it is unlikely that the person with sight loss will be able to independently complete a hard copy of the form and mail it in. Having an accessible online system breaks down barriers for Ontarians with sight loss while saving the government time and money.
If the Ontario government requires a second piece of ID for verification purposes, we propose that the form provides an option for someone to enter their Ontario Photo Card number as an alternative to a driver's licence. We would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this further with someone in your Ministry to ensure all Ontarians can enjoy simpler, faster and better services.
Follow-up Letter
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Dear Minister Elliott & Minister Thompson,
I'm writing to request your prompt attention to the online renewal process for the Ontario Health Card. As stated in our letter on January 28, Ontarians who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind are unable to renew their Ontario Health Card online because the form requires a current driver’s licence number. This requirement is unacceptable.
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services must
adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code, which states the following:
"Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability."
Therefore, Ontarians with sight loss are entitled to the same level of service as others.
If the Government of Ontario requires a second piece of ID for verification purposes, the online renewal form should be modified to provide an option for someone to enter their Ontario Photo Card number as an alternative to a current driver's licence number.
As we will be sharing this information with members of our community, we expect the website to be updated by Friday, February 28. Thank you for your prompt attention.
With your commitment to this important matter, all Ontarians will have an opportunity to enjoy simpler, faster and better services.