Canada at a Glance
Region | Adoptee & Birthparent Access to Information | Vetoes | Passive Registry |
Government Searches |
Counseling Available |
Alberta | Yes | Disclosure vetoes for adoptions finalized before January 1, 2005. | Yes | No | Yes |
British Columbia | Yes. $50 fee for information. | Both contact and disclosure for adoptions finalized before November 1996. Only contact vetoes for adoptions finalized after that date. | Yes. $25 fee for registering. | Yes. $250 fee for first search and $180 fee for each subsequent search. | Yes, but not mandatory. |
Manitoba | No | Adopted adults, birth parents, and birth relatives can file both contact and disclosure vetoes. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes. $50 fee for information. | Adoptees and birth parents can file both contact and disclosure vetoes. | Yes | Yes | Limited counseling available through PAS. |
New Brunswick | No |
Not applicable | Yes | Yes | |
Northwest Territories | No, unless adoption finalized after November 1, 1998. | No | Yes | Yes | |
Nova Scotia | No |
Not applicable | Yes | Yes | |
Nunavut | No |
Yes | Yes | ||
Ontario | Yes |
Disclosure vetoes for adoptions that take place before Sept. 2008. Only contact vetoes for adoptions finalized after that date. | Yes | Severe medical only | No |
Prince Edward Island | No | Not applicable | Yes. Fees for registering and matches. | Yes, only on behalf of adopted adults. $150 fee. | Yes |
Quebec | No |
Not applicable | Yes | Yes. $450 fee. | No |
Saskatchewan | No, unless adoption took place after April 1 1997. | Disclosure vetoes for adoption that were finalized after April 1, 1997. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yukon | Yes | Disclosure and contact vetoes. | Yes | Yes | Yes |