Do You Need a Permanent Resident ID Card?

If you're a permanent resident of Canada, that is someone who has permanent resident status but is not a Canadian citizen, after December 30, 2003, you will need a new secure wallet-size plastic Permanent Resident Card to get back into Canada by commercial vehicle. Commercial carriers won't accept the old IMM 1000 Record of Landing Document as proof of Canadian permanent residence status after that date.

The new Permanent Resident Cards were introduced a year ago, and are automatically sent to new immigrants. Because of the number of applications from permanent residents who were already in Canada, the department of Citizenship and Immigration has been processing the applications on a schedule in order of year of landing in Canada.

However, it can take 12 weeks or more to process an application, so if you're planning to be away over the New Year, it would be a good idea to get your application in as soon as possible. Citizenship and Immigration Canada says they will not speed up applications for people planning trips.
More: Applications for Permanent Resident Cards