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“Open Adoption Records” does not mean open adoption, nor does it mean that records are open to the public. It means that family members separated by adoption may obtain each other’s identifying information, along with original and amended birth records, subject to a privacy veto (see Origins
Statement on Open Records to learn more about vetoes).
In Canada, “Open Records” means that adopted persons and natural parents have the right to receive identifying information for family members lost to adoption. Those who are adopted receive a copy of their original birth registration in their original name (including the names of any natural parents on record) and a copy of their adoption order. Natural parents receive the original and amended birth registrations and the adoption court order containing their child’s adoptive name. Names of adoptive parents are not released.
Open Records Campaigns — Canadian Legislation Opening Records
- Yukon open adoption records
- “Manitoba considering opening up all adoption records going back to 1925” (Canadian Press News Article, June 15, 2009)
- Alberta Open Records Issue: Adoptive Parents Filing Vetoes
- Open Records Legislation in Alberta (2003)
- Ontario’s Bill 12 (2007) (PDF)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Government News Release (2003)
- Ontario Government News Release of November 14, 2007, announcing Disclosure Veto
- Ontario Government News Release (November 1, 2005) Announcing Open Records