Why is the health card not accepted as valid identification in Ontario?

Question

Why is it that i'm 19 and I can't buy cigarettes or rent sheit because all I have is a health card and student id. When I go stores like 7-11 and rental places say we don't accept health cards, even when I just got mine renewed and have the one with all the security features. I don't need to drive, I take the TTC or bike where I need to go so I don't got a drivers license. How do I get these bitchasses to accept my health card

Answer 1

What, do you need to be treated special. Quit smoking and get a job and try to curb that angry cursing while your at it.

Answer 2

A health card cannot be accepted as valid photo ID in many cases because of the Personal Health Information Protection Act.  The stores cannot legally accept it without facing a possible fine-in case you say they asked for it.  A health card is designed for providing health services...which is why it actually belongs to the Ministry of Health and not the individual.  It is not designed to provide a person with ID.  Most stores dont accept it because they dont want the worry of your personal information being at risk.  (technically you can offer the card...they cant ask for it-and they can refuse to take it too)  A store can also refuse ANY Id if it is store policy, or anything is suspect to them.

"Ontario Health Card

11. USE your Ontario Health Card ONLY for health services. It is illegal for someone to ask for this card for any other purpose."

Another source:

Ontario Health Cards cannot be accepted for identification purposes (Health Cards and Numbers Control Act, 1991 section 2.2(1))