jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
2 (1) Subject to the regulations, the Registrar General shall direct a uniform system of registration of births, marriages, deaths, still-births, adoptions and changes of name in Ontario, and is charged with the enforcement of the provisions of this Act.  2001, c. 21, s. 2. Registrations to be numbered (2) The Registrar General shall, upon receipt, cause the registrations of births, marriages, deaths, still-births, adoptions and changes of name occurring in Ontario and all other documents required or permitted to be given to the Registrar General to be numbered in separate series according to calendar year.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 2 (2); 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 9 (1). Indexed (3) The Registrar General shall cause the registrations and other documents to be indexed separately according to calendar year.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 2 (3). Filed (4) The Registrar General shall cause the registrations and other documents to be systematically filed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 2 (4). Safekeeping of registrations (5) Subject to section 5, the Registrar General shall cause the registrations and other documents to be kept safely by administrative, physical and technological safeguards that are reasonable and are consistent with this Act.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 2 (5). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2001, c. 21, s. 2
- 05/12/2001 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 9 (1) - 26/11/2002
3 (1) The Registrar General shall examine the registrations received from the persons required to make registrations and, if the registrations are incomplete or unsatisfactory, the Registrar General shall require such information to be supplied as may be necessary to complete the registration.  2001, c. 21, s. 3 (1). Registration not signed (2) If a registration received from a person required to make the registration is incomplete as to a required signature, the Registrar General shall cause the registration to be returned in order that the signature may be obtained.  2001, c. 21, s. 3 (1). Classification by causes of death (3) The Registrar General shall cause all deaths registered under this Act to be classified according to the classification of diseases adopted by reference in the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 3 (3). Publication by Registrar General (4) The Registrar General may collate, publish and distribute the statistical information that the Registrar General considers to be necessary and in the public interest and that relates to the births, marriages, deaths, still-births, adoptions and changes of name registered during the period that the Registrar General determines. 2019, c. 7, Sched. 61, s. 2. Same, annual report (5) After the end of each calendar year, the Registrar General shall publish, in a manner that the Registrar General considers appropriate, a report as to the number of births, marriages, deaths, still-births, adoptions and changes of name registered during the calendar year preceding the one that has ended. 2019, c. 7, Sched. 61, s. 2. Instructions by Registrar General (6) The Registrar General may prepare and issue to any persons such detailed instructions as, in the opinion of the Registrar General, may be necessary to procure the uniform observance of the provisions of this Act. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 2 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2001, c. 21, s. 3 (1, 2)
- 25/05/2007 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 9 (2) - 26/11/2002 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 2 (1, 2) - 01/09/2016 2019, c. 7, Sched. 61, s. 2 - 29/05/2019
4 (1) The Registrar General may cause the registrations and other documents referred to in subsection 2 (2), whether received before or after the 17th day of December, 1990, to be accurately recorded by any technology, if an accurate and easily readable paper copy of the registration or other document can be made from the record. Documents to be recorded (2) The Registrar General may cause any other documents related to the registrations to be recorded as provided in subsection (1). Notation added directly to record (3) The Registrar General may use the technology referred to in subsection (1) to add a notation or any other information directly to a record. Application (4) This Act applies with the necessary modifications that are consistent with this Act to the records made under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 4.
5 (1) In this section, “Archives” means the Archives of Ontario continued under the Archives and Recordkeeping Act, 2006; (“Archives publiques”) “Archivist” means the Archivist of Ontario appointed under the Archives and Recordkeeping Act, 2006. (“archiviste”)  2006, c. 34, Sched. A, s. 28 (1). Registrations transferred to Archives (2) The Registrar General may cause those registrations and records that are prescribed, and related indexes and documents, to be transferred to the Archives.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 5 (2); 2006, c. 34, Sched. A, s. 28 (2). Authority of Archivist (3) The Archivist is authorized and directed to receive and maintain the registrations, records, indexes and documents transferred under subsection (2) as if they were transferred under the Archives and Recordkeeping Act, 2006.  2006, c. 34, Sched. A, s. 28 (3). Access by Registrar General (4) Despite subsection (3), the Registrar General shall, for the purpose of administering this Act, have access to any registration, record, index or document that was transferred to the Archives.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 5 (4); 2006, c. 34, Sched. A, s. 28 (4). Agreements (5) The Registrar General and the Archivist are authorized to enter into agreements respecting any matter related to the registrations, records, indexes and documents transferred under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 5 (5); 2006, c. 34, Sched. A, s. 28 (4). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2006, c. 34, Sched. A, s. 28 (1-4) - 01/09/2007
5.1 The Registrar General may delegate in writing any or all of his or her powers and duties under this or any other Act to any person, subject to any restrictions set out in the delegation.  2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 3. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 3 - 01/09/2016
5.2 (1) The Registrar General shall appoint a Deputy Registrar General.  2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 3. Duties (2) The Deputy Registrar General shall perform the duties delegated to him or her in writing by the Registrar General.  2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 3. Delegation of powers and duties (3) The Deputy Registrar General may delegate in writing any or all of his or her powers and duties under this or any other Act to any person, subject to any restrictions set out in the delegation.  2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 3. Subdelegation (4) The Deputy Registrar General’s power to delegate under subsection (3) includes the power to delegate in writing any or all of the powers and duties that have been delegated to the Deputy Registrar General under this or any other Act.  2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 3. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 3 - 01/09/2016 Other administrators
6 (1) The Registrar General may appoint inspectors of vital statistics who shall perform the duties assigned to them by the Registrar General. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 4. Affidavits (2) The Registrar General may appoint any person to take affidavits and statutory declarations that are necessary or incidental to, (a)  the functions of the Registrar General under this or any other Act; or (b)  the administration of this Act, the Marriage Act or the Change of Name Act. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 4. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (2, 3) - 9/12/1994; 1999, c. 12, Sched. F, s. 43 - 22/12/1999 2008, c. 5, s. 2
- 01/09/2008 2009, c. 33, Sched. 17, s. 13 (1) - 15/12/2009 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 4 - 01/09/2016
6.1 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, by regulation, designate a person to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Registrar General under sections 48.1 to 48.5.  2005, c. 25, s. 2; 2008, c. 5, s. 2. Same (2) The designation may be made subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers appropriate, including a requirement that the designated person enter into and comply with an agreement between the Registrar General and the designated person.  2005, c. 25, s. 2. Same (3) For the purposes of this section, the Registrar General shall disclose to the designated person such information and documents under the custody or control of the Registrar General as the Registrar General considers necessary.  2005, c. 25, s. 2. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2005, c. 25, s. 2
- 31/01/2007
7 (1) The Registrar General shall have a seal of office. Idem (2) The seal of office may be reproduced in any manner and has the same effect whether it is manually applied or otherwise reproduced.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 7.
7.1 (1) For the purposes of administering the Health Insurance Act, the Registrar General, in collecting information under this Act or the Change of Name Act, is authorized to collect personal information and disclose it to persons employed in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, or to persons or entities providing services on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 5. Same (2) For the purposes of administering this Act, the Change of Name Act and the Health Insurance Act, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care is authorized to disclose to the Registrar General or to persons or entities providing services on behalf of the Registrar General, personal information recorded under the Health Insurance Act. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 5. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (4) - 09/12/1994 2006, c. 19, Sched. G, s. 12 (1, 2) - 22/06/2006 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 5 - 01/09/2016 Registration of Births
8 If required by the regulations, a person who attends at the birth of a child in Ontario shall give notice of the birth in the manner, within the time and to the person prescribed by the regulations.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5) - 02/01/2007
9 (1) The parents of a child born in Ontario, or one of them in such circumstances as may be prescribed, or such other person as may be prescribed, shall certify the child’s birth in the manner, including providing such information and documentation as may be prescribed, within the time and to the person prescribed by the regulations. 2016, c. 23, s. 17 (1). Same (2) A person who finds a new-born deserted child or who has received custody or care and control of an abandoned child and any other person as may be prescribed shall provide such information and documentation as may be prescribed in respect of the child and the child’s birth in the manner, within the time and to the person prescribed by the regulations.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5). Registration (3) The Registrar General, acting on a certification under subsection (1) or information under subsection (2) or on such information as may be prescribed or as he or she considers appropriate, may register the birth of a child in Ontario of which he or she becomes aware.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5). Additional evidence (4) Despite the receipt of any documentation or information related to a birth, the Registrar General may refuse to register the birth until he or she is satisfied that the documentation or information correctly states the facts and, for such purposes, he or she may require such supplementary evidence as he or she considers appropriate.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5). Division registrars (5) Division registrars shall perform such duties as may be prescribed in respect of the notification, certification and registration of births.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5). Amendment of registration (6) The Registrar General may amend a birth registration in the circumstances and upon application by the person or persons prescribed by the regulations.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5). Same (7) On receiving a certified copy of a declaratory order under Part I of the Children’s Law Reform Act respecting the parentage of a child whose birth is registered in Ontario, the Registrar General shall amend the particulars of the child’s parents shown on the registration, in accordance with the order. 2016, c. 23, s. 17 (2). Same (8) On receiving a certified copy of an order under section 17 of the Children’s Law Reform Act respecting a child whose birth is registered in Ontario, the Registrar General shall amend the particulars of the child’s surname shown on the registration, in accordance with the order.  2009, c. 11, s. 51; 2016, c. 23, s. 17 (3). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (5) - 02/01/2007 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (1) - 02/01/2007 2009, c. 11, s. 51
- 01/03/2010 2016, c. 23, s. 17 (1-3)
- 01/01/2017
9.1 Every still-birth that takes place in Ontario shall be registered in accordance with the regulations.  2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 9 (3). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 9 (3) - 02/01/2007
11 Where a duty has been established by regulations made for the purposes of section 8, 9 or 9.1, and a person fails to perform that duty as provided for in the regulations,  (a)  the person remains liable to perform the duty despite the expiry of any time limit and despite any action taken by another person in giving a notice or in certifying or registering a birth or stillbirth; and (b)  the person is guilty of an offence for the initial failure to perform the duty and of a separate offence for each successive period of prescribed time during which the failure to perform continues.  2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (8) - 25/05/2007 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (2) - 25/05/2007 12 Repealed:  O. Reg. 214/07, s. 23. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (9) - 09/12/1994 O. Reg. 214/07, s. 23 - 25/05/2007 13 Repealed: 2016, c. 23, s. 19. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (10) - 25/05/2007; 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 291 - 18/12/1998 2016, c. 23, s. 19
- 05/12/2016 14 Repealed: 2016, c. 23, s. 20. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (11) - 02/01/2001; 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 292 - 18/12/1998 2009, c. 11, s. 52
- 01/03/2010 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 2 - no effect - see 2016, c. 23, s. 74 (1);
2016, c. 23, s. 20 - 05/12/2016 14.1 Repealed: 2016, c. 23, s. 21 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2016, c. 23, s. 21 (1)
- 05/12/2016; 2016, c. 23, s. 21 (2)
- 05/12/2017
15 (1) If a child’s birth was registered under this Act or a predecessor of it and the child was not given a forename under subsection 10 (2) or a predecessor of that subsection or under a predecessor of this Act, (a)  the person with lawful custody of the child; or (b)  the child, if he or she has attained the age of eighteen years, may elect in the prescribed manner to add a forename to the birth registration.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 15 (1); 2016, c. 23, s. 22. Certificate (2) Where a person elects under subsection (1), the Registrar General shall note the addition of the forename on the birth registration and issue a birth certificate to the person on payment of the required fee.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 15 (2); 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 293. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 293 - 18/12/1998 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 3 -  no effect - see 2016, c. 23, s. 74 (2);
2016, c. 23, s. 22 - 01/01/2017
16 (1)-(3) Repealed:  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (12). Subsequent registration if child identified (4) If, subsequent to a registration under subsection (3) as it read before its repeal or under subsection 9 (2), the identity of the child is established to the satisfaction of the Registrar General, he or she may by order set aside the registration made pursuant to this section and cause the substitution of a new registration of the birth in accordance with the actual facts of the birth, and cause the original registration to be withdrawn from the registration files and kept in a separate file and sealed.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 16 (4); 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (13); 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (3). Date of registration (5) Where the identity of the child is established and a new registration is made pursuant to subsection (4), the date of the new registration shall be the date of the original registration.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 16 (5). Cancellation of certificates (6) The holder of a certificate issued in respect of a registration of a birth made pursuant to subsection (3) as it read before its repeal, or subsection 9 (2), which registration has been withdrawn pursuant to subsection (4), shall deliver it forthwith upon demand to the Registrar General for cancellation.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 16 (6); 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (14).  (See also:  2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (4)). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (12-14) - 26/11/2002 but see 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (3, 4) - 25/05/2007 17 Repealed: 2016, c. 23, s. 23. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (15) - Obsolete; 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 294 - 18/12/1998 2016, c. 23, s. 23
- 01/01/2017 18 Repealed:  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (15).  (See also:  2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (5)). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (15) - 2/01/2007 but see 2002, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 10 (5) - 25/05/2007 Registration of Marriages
19 (1) Every marriage that is solemnized in Ontario shall be registered by the person or persons named or described in the regulations and in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed time limits.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (16). Registration of marriage (2) If the Registrar General is satisfied as to the correctness and sufficiency of a statement of marriage forwarded to the Registrar General, the Registrar General shall register the marriage. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 6. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (16) - 15/04/2009 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 6 - 01/09/2016
20 If a marriage has not been registered within one year from the day of the marriage, the registration may be made by the Registrar General upon such evidence as may be prescribed by the regulations.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 20. Registration of Deaths
21 (1) The death of every person who dies in Ontario shall be registered in accordance with the regulations.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17). Same (2) Such persons as are described in the regulations shall, in the prescribed circumstances, provide such information as may be prescribed within the time, in the manner and to the person prescribed by the regulations in order to register the death.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17); 1997, c. 9, s. 7 (2). Division registrars (3) Division registrars shall perform such duties as may be prescribed in respect of the registration of deaths and the provision of documentation.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17). Copying of medical certificate (4) Except as provided in the regulations or as provided under any other Act, no person shall copy or duplicate a document signed by a legally qualified medical practitioner, or by any other person, who is required to sign the document under this Act or the regulations; nor shall any person obtain or attempt to obtain any such document or a copy of it.  1997, c. 9, s. 7 (2). Death except by disease (5) If there is reason to believe that a person has died as a result of any cause other than disease, or has died as a result of negligence, malpractice or misconduct on the part of others or under such circumstances as require investigation, no documentation shall be issued unless, (a)  in accordance with the Coroners Act, the body has been examined and an investigation into the circumstances of the death has been made or an inquest has been held; (b)  a coroner has signed the documentation if any that is prescribed; and (c)  the other provisions of this Act and the regulations regarding registration of death have been complied with.  2001, c. 21, s. 16; 2010, c. 16, Sched. 8, s. 4 (1). Coroner’s warrant to bury (6) If a person has died under any of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (5) and the coroner cannot provide the prescribed information related to the cause of death, the coroner may issue a warrant to bury if the body has been examined as provided in the Coroners Act and the coroner shall subsequently complete and deliver such documentation in the manner, within the time and to the person prescribed by the regulations.  2001, c. 21, s. 16; 2010, c. 16, Sched. 8, s. 4 (2). Exception (7) Subsections (5) and (6) do not apply if the person has died after receiving medical assistance in dying within the meaning of section 241.1 of the Criminal Code (Canada), and a coroner has been given notice of or information about the death under section 10.1 of the Coroners Act and determined that the death ought not to be investigated. 2017, c. 7, s. 5. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17) - 15/04/2009; 1997, c. 9, s. 7 (1) - 11/02/1998; 1997, c. 9, s. 7 (2) - 15/04/2009 2001, c. 21, s. 16
- 15/04/2009 2010, c. 16, Sched. 8, s. 4 (1, 2) - 01/09/2011 2017, c. 7, s. 5
- 10/05/2017
22 (1) Subject to subsection 21 (6) and the regulations, no person shall bury, cremate or otherwise dispose of the body of any person who dies in Ontario or remove the body from the registration division within which the death occurred or the body is found, and no person shall take part in or conduct any funeral or religious service for the purpose of burial, cremation or other disposition of the body of a deceased person, unless the documentation required by the regulations has been obtained.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17). Record-keeping (2) Funeral directors and cemetery owners shall keep such documentation related to the burial, cremation or other disposal of a body as may be prescribed and they shall retain it for such time as may be prescribed.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17) - 15/04/2009 23 Repealed:  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17) - 15/04/2009 24 Repealed:  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17) - 15/04/2009 25 Repealed:  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (17) - 15/04/2009
26 (1) If the body of a person is to be removed to the place of burial or other disposition by a transportation company or other common carrier, the removal shall not take place until the prescribed documentation has been affixed to the outside of the casket.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 26 (1); 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (18). Death outside Ontario (2) If the death occurred outside of Ontario and the burial or other disposition of the body is to take place in Ontario, a burial, transit or removal permit or such other document as may be prescribed or required under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the death occurred, signed by the proper officer of the place in which the death occurred, is sufficient authority for the burial or other disposition of the body.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 26 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (18) - 15/04/2009 27 Repealed:  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (19). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (19) - 15/04/2009; 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 295 - 18/12/1998 Adoption Orders
30 (1) If a child born in another province or in any state has been adopted in Ontario under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, or a predecessor of it, the Registrar General shall transmit a certified copy of the order to the person having charge of the registration of births in the province or state in which the child was born. R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 30 (1); 2017, c. 14, Sched. 4, s. 35 (3). Child born in another jurisdiction (2) If a child born in a jurisdiction other than a province or state has been adopted in Ontario under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, or a predecessor of it, the Registrar General, upon request, may transmit a certified copy of the order to the person having charge of the registration of births in the jurisdiction in which the child was born. R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 30 (2); 2017, c. 14, Sched. 4, s. 35 (3). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2017, c. 14, Sched. 4, s. 35 (3) - 30/04/2018 Changes of Name
30.1 (1) Repealed: 2020, c. 34, Sched. 3, s. 11 (1). Same (2) The Registrar General shall comply with subsections 7 (1), (1.1), (1.2), (1.6) and (6) and clauses 8 (1) (b) and 8 (2) (c) and (d) of the Change of Name Act if required to do so by those provisions. 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 4. Same (3) On receiving the fee, if any, and documents required by section 12.0.2 of the Change of Name Act, the Registrar General shall comply with subsection 12.0.2 (9) of that Act. 2020, c. 34, Sched. 3, s. 11 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 4 - 01/01/2017 2020, c. 34, Sched. 3, s. 11 (1, 2) - 30/04/2021
31.2 If the Registrar General has noted a change of name on a birth or marriage registration and issues a birth or marriage certificate after making the notation, the certificate shall be issued as if the registration had been made in the name as changed. 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 5. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 5 - 01/01/2017
31.3 (1) Upon receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Registrar General that both parties to a marriage registered in Ontario, whether or not the parties were born in Ontario, have changed their name in a province or territory of Canada, other than Ontario, or foreign state in accordance with the law of that province, territory or state, as the case may be, and that province, territory or state, as the case may be, has treated the application for the change of name as confidential in accordance with subsection (2) and upon production of evidence, if required, that satisfies the Registrar General as to the identity of the parties, the Registrar General may, upon the request of both parties, withdraw the original registration of the marriage in Ontario, seal it in a separate file and replace the registration with a registration of marriage in the names of the parties as changed. 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 5. Confidential application (2) Subsection (1) applies to an application for a change of name if the province or territory of Canada, other than Ontario, or foreign state in which the name of the person has been changed, (a)  has sealed the application in a separate file; (b)  has not published notice of the change of name or given notice of it to any person; and (c)  has not entered the change of name in any record open to the public. 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 5. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2016, c. 5, Sched. 33, s. 5 - 01/01/2017 Divorce Decrees
32 The Registrar General may not issue a certificate of divorce even if he or she has a record of the divorce.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (21). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (21) - 09/12/1994 Registration of Births and Deaths Occurring on Board Ship
33 Upon receipt from the Minister of Transport of information transmitted under the Canada Shipping Act, respecting the birth of a child or the death of a person on board a ship whose port of registry is within Ontario, the Deputy Registrar General may register the birth or death.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 33. Correction of Errors in Registrations
34 (1) If, after a registration has been received or made by the Registrar General, it is reported to him or her that an error has been made, the Registrar General shall inquire into the facts and upon the production of evidence satisfactory to him or her, the Registrar General may correct the error by a notation on the registration without any alteration being made in the registration. 2001, c. 21, s. 4; 2019, c. 7, Sched. 61, s. 3. Certificate of registration that has been corrected (2) If, subsequent to the correction of an error, application is made for a certificate pursuant to this Act, the certificate shall be prepared as if the registration had been made containing correct particulars at the time of registration, but if a certified copy of the registration is required, the certified copy shall contain a copy of the notation made under subsection (1).  2001, c. 21, s. 4. Old certificates to be returned (3) Any person in possession or control of a certificate or certified copy of a registration issued before the registration was corrected shall return the certificate or certified copy to the Registrar General forthwith upon demand.  2001, c. 21, s. 4. (4) Repealed: 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 8. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2001, c. 21, s. 4
- 15/04/2009 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 8 - 01/09/2016 2019, c. 7, Sched. 61, s. 3 - 01/03/2021
35 (1) If, after a registration of birth has been received or made by the Registrar General, it appears or is reported to him or her that, because of incorrect information in the registration, the registration does not comply with the requirements of subsections 6 (4) and (7) of the Vital Statistics Act, being chapter 524 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980, as they existed before the 1st day of August, 1986, the Registrar General shall inquire into the facts and, upon production of evidence satisfactory to him or her, supplemented by statutory declaration in the prescribed form, the Registrar General may, instead of correcting the error under section 34, order that the registration be cancelled and that a new registration of the birth be made.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 35 (1); 1993, c. 27, Sched. Order to be attached to registration (2) Where an order is made under subsection (1), the Registrar General shall attach the order to, and cause a notation of the order to be made on, the existing registration, and the existing registration and order shall be kept in a separate file and sealed. Certificates and certified copies (3) Where a substituted registration of birth is made and an application is made for a birth certificate or certified copy of registration in respect of the birth, the certificate or certified copy shall be issued having regard to the substituted registration only. Old certificates to be returned (4) Any person in possession or control of a certificate or certified copy of a birth registration issued before the registration was cancelled under subsection (1) shall return the certificate or certified copy to the Registrar General forthwith upon demand. Births after August 1, 1986 (5) This section does not apply to a birth registered after the 1st day of August, 1986.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 35 (2-5). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1993, c. 27, Sched. - 31/12/1991 Changes Resulting from Transsexual Surgery
36 (1) Where the anatomical sex structure of a person is changed to a sex other than that which appears on the registration of birth, the person may apply to the Registrar General to have the designation of sex on the registration of birth changed so that the designation will be consistent with the results of the transsexual surgery. Application (2) An application made under subsection (1) shall be accompanied by, (a)  a certificate signed by a medical practitioner legally qualified to practise medicine in the jurisdiction in which the transsexual surgery was performed upon the applicant, certifying that, (i)  he or she performed transsexual surgery on the applicant, and (ii)  as a result of the transsexual surgery, the designation of sex of the applicant should be changed on the registration of birth of the applicant; (b)  a certificate of a medical practitioner who did not perform the transsexual surgery but who is qualified and licensed to practise medicine in Canada certifying that, (i)  he or she has examined the applicant, (ii)  the results of the examination substantiate that transsexual surgery was performed upon the applicant, and (iii)  as a result of the transsexual surgery, the description of the sex of the applicant should be changed on the registration of birth of the applicant; and (c)  evidence satisfactory to the Registrar General as to the identity of the applicant. Alternate medical evidence (3) Where it is not possible to obtain the medical certificate referred to in clause (2) (a) or (b), the applicant shall submit such medical evidence of the transsexual surgery as the Registrar General considers necessary. Notation on birth registration to be consistent with result of surgery (4) The Registrar General shall, upon application made to him or her in accordance with this section, cause a notation to be made on the birth registration of the applicant so that the registration is consistent with the results of the surgery. Old certificates to be returned (5) Any person in possession or control of a certificate or certified copy of a birth registration issued before the making of a notation under subsection (4) shall return the certificate or certified copy to the Registrar General forthwith upon demand. Birth certificate issued after notation (6) Every birth certificate issued after the making of a notation under this section shall be issued as if the original registration of birth had been made showing the designation of sex as changed under this section.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 36. Registration Divisions
37 (1) The whole of Ontario shall be divided into registration divisions.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 37 (1). Municipal units (2) Every municipality is a registration division.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 37 (2). Unorganized territory (3) The Registrar General may divide that part of Ontario not within a municipality into registration divisions, and may from time to time alter the boundaries of any such registration division or merge it, in whole or in part, with one or more registration divisions and may attach any territory or portion thereof not being part of a municipality to a registration division constituted under subsection (2).  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (22). Same (4) The Registrar General shall maintain a record of all orders made for the purposes of subsection (3) and make them or copies of them available for inspection by the public on request; Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006 does not apply to the orders.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (22); 2006, c. 21, Sched. F, s. 136 (1). Same (5) Registration divisions in existence on the day this subsection comes into force continue until altered or merged by an order made under subsection (3).  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (22). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (22) - 09/12/1994 2006, c. 21, Sched. F, s. 136 (1) - 25/07/2007 Appointment and Duties of Division Registrars Division registrars and staff
38 (1) Division registrars shall be appointed as provided for in the regulations.  2001, c. 21, s. 5. Deputy division registrars (2) A division registrar may, with the approval of the Registrar General, appoint one or more deputy division registrars to act for him or her and any such deputy while so acting has all the powers and duties of the division registrar who appointed the deputy.  2001, c. 21, s. 5. Sub-registrars (3) A division registrar may, with the approval of the Registrar General, appoint sub-registrars who shall perform such duties as may be prescribed.  2001, c. 21, s. 5. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (23) - 09/12/1994; 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 296 - 18/12/1998 2001, c. 21, s. 5
- 25/05/2007
39 A division registrar shall perform such duties and have such powers as are set out in this Act and as may be prescribed.  1994, c. 27, s. 102 (24). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1994, c. 27, s. 102 (24) - 25/05/2007
40 Such persons as may be prescribed shall, under the direction of the Registrar General, enforce this Act and shall make an immediate report to the Registrar General of any contravention of this Act of which he or she has knowledge.  2001, c. 21, s. 6. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2001, c. 21, s. 6
- 25/05/2007 41 Repealed:  1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 297. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 297 - 18/12/1998 Forms
42 For the purposes of the administration of this Act, the Marriage Act or the
Change of Name Act, the Registrar General may, (a)  provide for and require the use of forms, statutory declarations or affidavits in addition to or in substitution for forms, statutory declarations or affidavits prescribed by the regulations made under this Act, the Marriage Act or the Change of Name Act, as the case may be; (b)  require the use of forms, statutory declarations or affidavits supplied by the Registrar General; and (c)  permit information to be supplied in a format acceptable to the Registrar General rather than on forms or in statutory declarations or affidavits that are otherwise provided for or required under this section or the regulations made under this Act, the Marriage Act or the Change of Name Act, as the case may be.  1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 298. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 298 - 18/12/1998 Certificates and Searches Contents of certificates
43 (1) A birth certificate shall contain the following particulars of the registration: (a)  name of the child; (b)  date of birth; (c)  place of birth; (d)  sex; (e)  date of registration; and (f)  registration number. Death certificate (2) A death certificate shall contain only the following particulars of the registration: (a)  name, age and marital status of the deceased; (b)  date of death; (c)  place of death; (d)  sex; (e)  date of registration; and (f)  registration number. Marriage certificate (3) A marriage certificate shall contain only the following particulars of the registration: (a)  names of the parties; (b)  date of the marriage; (c)  place of the marriage; (d)  place of birth of each of the parties; (e)  date of registration; and (f)  registration number. Change of name certificate (4) A change of name certificate shall contain the following particulars of the registration, (a)  the person’s name; (b)  the person’s former name; (c)  date of registration; and (d)  registration number. Still-birth certificate (5) No still-birth certificate shall be issued. Certificates under seal (6) A certificate, order or other document, issued by the Registrar General pursuant to this Act, may bear the seal of office of the Registrar General.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 43. Who may obtain certificates
44 (1) Upon application and upon payment of the required fee, any person who furnishes substantially accurate particulars, and satisfies the Registrar General as to the person’s reason for requiring it, may obtain from the Registrar General a birth certificate in respect of any birth of which there is a registration in his or her office.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 44 (1); 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 299 (1). Death certificate (2) Upon application and upon payment of the required fee, any person may obtain from the Registrar General a death certificate in respect of any death of which there is a registration in his or her office.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 44 (2); 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 299 (2). Marriage certificate (3) Upon application and upon payment of the required fee, (a)  one of the parties to the marriage; (b)  a parent of one of the parties; (c)  a child of the marriage; or (d)  any person with the approval of the Registrar General, may obtain from the Registrar General a marriage certificate in respect of any marriage of which there is a registration in his or her office.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 44 (3); 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 299 (3); 2016, c. 23, s. 26. Change of name certificate (4) Upon application and upon payment of the required fee, any person may obtain from the Registrar General a change of name certificate in respect of any change of name of which there is a registration, made after the 15th day of July, 1987, in his or her office.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 44 (4); 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 299 (4). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 299 (1-4) - 18/12/1998 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 9 (1, 2) - see Table of Public Statute Provisions Repealed Under Section 10.1 of the Legislation Act, 2006 - 31/12/2022 2016, c. 23, s. 26
- 01/01/2017
45 (1) No certified copy of a registration of birth, change of name, death or still-birth shall be issued except to a person authorized by the Registrar General or the order of a court and upon payment of the required fee.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 45 (1); 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 300 (1). Who may obtain copy of registration of marriage (2) No certified copy of a registration of marriage shall be issued except to one of the parties to the marriage or to a person authorized by the Registrar General or the order of a court and upon payment of the required fee.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 45 (2); 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 300 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 300 (1, 2) - 18/12/1998
45.1 (1) The Registrar General may require that an application for any of the following information or documents be guaranteed and may specify the manner in which it must be guaranteed: 1.  A certificate. 2.  A certified copy of a registration. 2.1  The uncertified copies described in subsection 48.1 (1). 2.2  The information described in subsection 48.2 (1). 3.  Such other information or documents as may be prescribed.  2005, c. 25, s. 5. Eligibility to be a guarantor (1.1) Such persons as may be prescribed are authorized to act as guarantors for the purposes of this section.  2005, c. 25, s. 5 (1). No fee (2) No person shall charge a fee for acting as a guarantor.  2001, c. 21, s. 7. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2001, c. 21, s. 7
- 05/12/2001 2005, c. 25, s. 5 (1) - 03/11/2005; 2005, c. 25, s. 5 (2) - 17/09/2007
45.2 (1) Unless otherwise permitted by the Registrar General, not more than one certificate and one certified copy of a registration may be issued in respect of a birth.  2001, c. 21, s. 7; 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 10. Other documents (2) The Registrar General may limit the number of certificates and certified copies of registrations that may be issued in respect of any change of name, death, still-birth or marriage.  2001, c. 21, s. 7. Application for reconsideration (3) On the application of a person who has been refused a birth certificate or a certified copy of a birth registration under section 44 or 45 or who has been refused a birth certificate or a certified copy of a birth registration under this section, the Registrar General shall consider the matter and he or she may grant or refuse the application.  2001, c. 21, s. 7. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2001, c. 21, s. 7
- 05/12/2001 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 10 - 01/09/2016
46 (1) A certificate purporting to be issued under section 44 or a certified copy of a registration purporting to be issued under section 45 is admissible in any court in Ontario as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the facts so certified if, (a)  it is signed by the Registrar General or Deputy Registrar General; or (b)  the signature of any person who is or who was, at any time, the Registrar General or Deputy Registrar General is reproduced on it by any method. 2015, c. 27, Sched. 2, s. 1 (1). Same (1.1) It is not necessary to prove the signature or official position of the person by whom the certificate or certified copy purports to be signed. 2015, c. 27, Sched. 2, s. 1 (1). Idem, made from record (2) Subsections (1) and (1.1) apply to a certificate or certified copy of a registration produced from a record of the registration made under section 4. R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 46 (2); 2015, c. 27, Sched. 2, s. 1 (2). Admissibility of paper copy of a record (3) The paper copy made from the record of a document, other than a registration, that is made under section 4 is admissible in evidence to the same extent as an original document.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 46 (3). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2015, c. 27, Sched. 2, s. 1 (1, 2) - 03/12/2015 47 Repealed:  2001, c. 21, s. 8. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2001, c. 21, s. 8
- 15/04/2009
48 (1) Any person may have a search made for the registration of any birth, death, marriage, still-birth, adoption or change of name in the indexes kept under this Act if that person, (a)  applies; (b)  pays the required fee; and (c)  satisfies the Registrar General as to the person’s reason for requiring the search. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 11. Exception (2) Clause (1) (c) does not apply in the case of a search of the change of name index with respect to the period after the 15th day of July, 1987. Information given on search (3) Subject to subsection (4), the only information given upon a search under subsection (1) shall be, (a)  whether the registration exists or not; (b)  the registration number, if any; and (c)  at the Registrar General’s option, the date of the event, if any. Former name (4) In the case of a search of the change of name index, where a registration exists, the former name of the person shall be given, but only with respect to the period after the 15th day of July, 1987.  R.S.O. 1990, c. V.4, s. 48 (2-4). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1998, c. 18, Sched. E, s. 301 - 18/12/1998 2012, c. 8, Sched. 58, s. 11 - 01/09/2016 Disclosure re Adopted Persons
48.3 (1) An adopted person who is at least 18 years old may submit to the Registrar General a notice specifying his or her preferences concerning the manner in which a birth parent may contact him or her.  2008, c. 5, s. 5 (1); 2016, c. 23, s. 29 (1). Proof of identity and age (1.1) A notice submitted under subsection (1) shall not be registered until the applicant provides the Registrar General with such evidence of his or her identity and age as may be required by the Registrar General.  2008, c. 5, s. 5 (1). Birth parent (2) A birth parent may submit to the Registrar General a notice specifying his or her preferences concerning the manner in which an adopted person may contact him or her.  2008, c. 5, s. 5 (1); 2016, c. 23, s. 34 (1). Proof of identity (2.1) A notice described in subsection (2) shall not be registered until the applicant provides the Registrar General with such evidence of his or her identity as may be required by the Registrar General.  2008, c. 5, s. 5 (1). When notice is in effect (3) A notice shall be registered by the Registrar General and is in effect when the Registrar General has matched it with the original registration, if any, of the adopted person’s birth or, if there is no original registration, when the Registrar General has matched it with the registered adoption order.  2005, c. 25, s. 7; 2008, c. 5, s. 5 (2). Exception (4) Despite subsection (3), a notice submitted by an adopted person with respect to a birth parent does not come into effect if, before the match is made, the Registrar General has already given that birth parent the information described in subsection 48.2 (1).  2005, c. 25, s. 7; 2008, c. 5, s. 5 (3); 2016, c. 23, s. 29 (2). Same (5) Despite subsection (3), a notice submitted by a birth parent does not come into effect if, before the match is made, the Registrar General has already given the adopted person the uncertified copies of registered documents described in subsection 48.1 (1).  2005, c. 25, s. 7; 2008, c. 5, s. 5 (4); 2016, c. 23, s. 34 (1). Withdrawal of notice (6) Upon application, the adopted person or birth parent, as the case may be, may withdraw the notice.  2005, c. 25, s. 7; 2016, c. 23, s. 34 (2). Same (7) If a notice is withdrawn, it ceases to be in effect when the Registrar General has matched the application for withdrawal with the notice itself.  2005, c. 25, s. 7. Administration (8) Subsections 2 (2) to (4) do not apply to notices registered under this section.  2005, c. 25, s. 7. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2005, c. 25, s. 7 - 31/01/2007 2008, c. 5, s. 5 (1-4)
- 14/05/2008 2016, c. 23, s. 29 (1, 2), 34 (1, 2) - 01/01/2017 Notice, wish not to be contacted