Separated from a family member by adoption? Planning a reunion?
Already reunited? Origins Canada can help…
Pregnant? Considering Adoption?
GET THE FACTS/KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Free consultation and pre-adoption counselling for those considering adoption.
Adoption Apologies
Since its inception in the early 2000s, one of the mandates of Origins Canada has been to advocate for,
and work towards, justice and reparations for those separated by adoption during the Adoption Mandate era.
Federal Government Apology
After ten years of advocacy, Origins Canada was able to obtain a Senate Study in 2018 followed by the Senate Report” The Shame is Ours: Forced Adoptions of the Babies of Unmarried Mothers in Post-War Canada”
https://sencanada.ca/en/info-page/parl-42-1/soci-adoption-mandate/
The report recommended: “That the Government of Canada issue a formal apology on behalf of
all Canadians to the mothers and their children who were subjected to forced adoption practices in
the years following World War II”.
To date, this apology has not taken place.
In May 2026, Senator Chantal Petitclerc, Retired Senator Art Eggleton, MP Karina Gould, Valerie Andrews of Origins Canada, along with mothers and adoptees renewed the efforts to bring this apology to the forefront.
See Press Conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StM0klhaRCw
Church Apologies in Canada
Origins has worked tirelessly with the churches with a view to obtaining an apology. Starting in 2012, many meetings have been held with Catholic, Salvation Army, United Church, Anglican Church, Presbyterian Church to obtain apologies.
To date, two Church apologies have taken place in Canada. We continue to work with other churches.
United Church Apology
https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/apology-forced-adoptions/adoption-apology
Catholic Diocese of Vancouver Apology
https://rcav.org/announcements/apology-for-the-church-s-role-in-coerced-adoption
Statement on Open Records
Origins Canada advocates for full transparency in adoption records across Canada. View here.
Origins Canada is a registered Federal Non Profit organization in Canada run solely by volunteers.
The content of and material on this site is provided for information purposes only. Origins Canada will not be held liable for any loss, claim or demand arising directly or indirectly from the use of any materials or information found on this website or any link to other websites.