Digital identity will gain even more traction in Canada with its rollout on LinkedIn and plans to bring a number of government services online for easier access.
Clear has been offering free biometric identity verification to LinkedIn users in the US since the beginning of this year. Canada has been selected as the first country outside the United States to expand the service. According to the announcement, there are 22 million LinkedIn users in Canada.
“When you verify your identity with Clear on LinkedIn, you're more likely to be considered for jobs, open emails, and make connections. It's that easy,” said Caryn Seidman Becker, CEO of Clear. states.
According to LinkedIn's own tally, there are 700 million LinkedIn users in approximately 200 countries outside of North America.
This expansion also fits in with Clear's plans to further diversify the use of its services beyond the travel sector.
The Canadian government also recently created a new cabinet position for Minister of Government Services, with Terry Beech being the first to take on the new position, which will include moving federal services from passports to online payments, CBC reported.
Beech told CBC the position was created to make government services “digital first,” but details were not made clear until the mandate was issued.
This move is due in part to delays in passport issuance and renewal, with the backlog of applications peaking at 316,000 in 2022.
Economic efficiency may also be a motivator. A white paper published by ATB Ventures earlier this year declared that the time is ripe for digital identity adoption in both the public and private sectors, with the potential to add C$15 billion (US$11.3 billion) to annual GDP. He quoted DIAACC's estimate that there is.
The Department of Employment and Social Development (ESDC) will support Beech's efforts, and Service Canada will report directly to the new minister. The Canada Digital Service, which is responsible for developing government digital resources such as apps, has been transferred from the Treasury to ESDC.
Article topics
Biometrics | Canada | Clear | Digital Identity | Government Services | Identity Verification | LinkedIn
