INUVIK - Anyone planning to fly this summer should know about a new federal rule.

Starting June 18, it will be required to have photo identification or two pieces of government-issued identification to board a commercial flight.

Inuvik's Karis Gruben, 16, left, gets a little help from IRC leader Nellie Cournoyea as she applies for a General Identification Card, one type of photo ID which could be used to board commercial flights. Gruben's attempt to register initially failed, because she did not have sufficient proof of residence. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

David Maguire, of the GNWT Department of Transportation, said Transport Canada established the measure.

It will cover all flights where passengers are screened by security, as is standard at the Inuvik and Yellowknife airports.

According to a Transport Canada press release, the new law will apply to anyone who appears to be over 12.

Before boarding a flight, they will need to present one piece of government-issued photo identification - such as a drivers' licence or health card - or two pieces of government-issued ID with no picture, such as a birth certificate or social insurance card.

Another option is the NWT General Identification Card, which is offered by the NWT's Department of Transportation.

The card looks much like a drivers' licence, but can be obtained by any resident.

Adam Binder, who works with the NWT Department of Transportation, said there is a four to six-week wait for the cards, because they must be approved in Yellowknife and are manufactured in Ottawa.

Laminated IDs and firearms licenses are accepted under the new regulations.

Peter Clarkson, regional director for the Beaufort Delta with the NWT Department of the Executive, said the new rule would affect people in small NWT hamlets such as Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk, Tsiigehtchic and Colville Lake, where residents cannot get photo IDs.

"I think of young people on sports teams. They may not know about the requirement, and they could get stuck," he said.

Nellie Cournoyea, head of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, also said people should be aware of the policy, so they don't get turned away at the airport.

"The best we can do is make sure people are prepared for it," she said.

On June 4, Inuvik's Beckett Business Services was busy with applicants for the NWT's General Identification Card.

Inuvik's Bertha Allen, who recently won the Order of Canada but does not have a drivers' licence or a photo health card, presented a Native Status card and a fuel bill.

She was charged $33.48, and told to wait four to wait four to six weeks for delivery.

Karis Gruben, 16, also applied for the card but could not be helped at first because she didn't have a proof of residence - a common problem for someone who lives at home and doesn't pay bills.

Beckett Business Centre manager Mary Beckett said such problems are common.

"The way it works, most people have two of three," she said, adding a proof of residence, proof of birthdate and some kind of other ID are required to apply for the card.

The new Transport Canada program, called Passenger Protect, has been discussed since 2005.

It will not affect regulations on international flights, which of course require a passport.

The regulations will also include the creation of a computerized system barring certain people from boarding a flight if they are said to pose an immediate threat to airline security.

There will be a grace period until Sept. 18 where only one piece of ID will be necessary for travel for those under 18, according to Julia Ukrintz, a spokesperson for Transport Canada.