Yellowknife, NWT -The federal government is scrambling to address recent changes to the way citizens must apply for social insurance numbers.

In December, the federal government changed the rules so people applying for SIN cards can no longer do so by mail.

They now must show up in person at Service Canada offices to get the cards.

That means some residents of fly-in Northern communities have to travel hundreds of kilometres to a Service Canada office.  

Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington addressed the issue Thursday afternoon during Question Period in the House of Commons.

"Getting a SIN card is the first step in getting a job. Will the minister reinstate the mail in process of these cards?

Human Resources Minister Diane Finley reassured Bevington.

"Everyone who needs a social insurance number will get one, in fact Service Canada will make sure that for those who are in exceptional circumstances appropriate arrangement will be made.

Without exceptions to the changes, Arctic politicians say it would cost Northerners thousands of dollars.

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