Constituents Face Intolerable Delays for Birth Certificates

The number of calls I have received from area residents facing unacceptable delays in obtaining their birth certificate has grown dramatically in recent weeks.

Many local residents have experienced first-hand how these delays are threatening travel plans. In fact, you may have read media reports indicating thousands of Ontarians are waiting more than four months to receive their birth certificates. These same stories describe how these applicants are very “stressed and angry.”

I share this frustration. That’s why my staff and I are doing whatever we can to assist constituents so that they receive their birth certificates as quickly as possible. As well, I continue to press the McGuinty government to take immediate steps to tackle the massive backlog, which has grown dramatically in the months since they took office. I’m not interested in assigning blame for the backlog, but I am determined to have this mess fixed quickly.

I am writing this article in advance of the March Break. Traditionally, requests for birth certificates increase significantly as families make plans to travel outside the country. I am warning my constituents that they should apply for their birth certificates well in advance of their departure dates. I strongly urge you to apply immediately if you know you will need this documentation.

The McGuinty government has indicated that currently regular service requires a minimum of 18 weeks. Expedited service, which requires proof of urgency, takes 10 days (including courier). Emergency service, which also requires proof of emergency, takes two business days (plus courier). The ministry will only provide emergency service on births that took place in 1930 or later.

Proof of an urgent or emergency situation – which is required by Ministry of Consumer and Business Services – includes travel reservations; a letter confirming new employment; and medical emergencies.

The fee for a regular service, small-sized birth certificate is $25. A replacement birth certificate costs $35 and an emergency birth certificate comes with an additional fee of $15 per document.

Birth certificate applications are available on-line at www.cbs.gov.on.ca.

You can also inquire about forms and check the status of your application by calling the ministry directly at 1-800-461-2156. If you have difficulty getting through, I encourage you to call my office at (613) 253-1171 and I will do whatever I can to assist you.

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