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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 87

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 27, 2023
Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2023
  • This is a summary of a law called Bill 87, which was passed in 2023 to amend the Vital Statistics Act in Ontario, Canada. The purpose of the amendment is to provide greater access to information related to adoptions. The key changes include: 1. Definition of Next of Kin: The amendment clarifies that the term "next of kin" of an adopted person refers to their child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or other descendant. Similarly, the term "next of kin" of a birth parent of an adopted person refers to their child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or other descendant, parent, or sibling. 2. Sharing of Information: If a child born in another province or territory of Canada has been adopted in Ontario, the Registrar General may enter into an agreement with the relevant authority in that province or territory to share information related to the adoption. 3. Access to Information: The amendment specifies that an adopted person or the next of kin of a deceased adopted person must be at least 18 years old to apply for uncertified copies of their adoption records. The applicant must provide evidence of their identity, age, and, if applicable, the adopted person's death. Similar age restrictions and requirements apply to birth parents or the next of kin of deceased birth parents seeking information. 4. Disclosure Veto: If an adopted person or birth parent has submitted a disclosure veto, the Registrar General is prohibited from disclosing information to certain individuals specified in the veto. 5. Contact Preferences: An adopted person who is at least 18 years old can submit a notice to the Registrar General specifying their preferences for contact with their birth parent or the next of kin of the birth parent. Similarly, a birth parent can submit a notice specifying their preferences for contact with the adopted person or the next of kin of the adopted person. 6. Sharing of Information with Other Provinces or Territories: The Registrar General may enter into agreements with authorities responsible for adoption registrations in other provinces or territories of Canada to share information necessary for determining disclosure vetoes or contact preferences. 7. Offences: It is an offence for an adopted person, birth parent, or any other person to knowingly contact or attempt to contact someone who has expressed a desire not to be contacted. The penalty for contravening this provision is a fine. The law comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent and is titled the Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2023.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 87 2023, the Vital Statistics Amendment Act, can be made as follows: 1. Greater access to information: The amendment aims to provide greater access to information related to adoptions. This can be seen as a positive step towards transparency and openness in the adoption process. By allowing individuals to access information about their birth parents or adopted children, it promotes a sense of identity and connection, which can be important for personal well-being. 2. Next of kin definition: The amendment clarifies the definition of next of kin in relation to adopted persons and birth parents. This ensures that the rights and privileges associated with next of kin status are extended to the appropriate individuals. It recognizes the importance of familial relationships and allows for the inheritance of property and other legal rights. 3. Sharing of information: The amendment allows for the sharing of information between provinces or territories regarding adoptions. This can facilitate the process of obtaining information for individuals who were adopted in a different province or territory. It streamlines the process and reduces barriers to accessing information, ensuring that individuals have access to their personal history regardless of where they were adopted. 4. Contact preferences: The amendment introduces the concept of contact preferences, allowing adopted persons and birth parents to specify their preferences regarding contact with each other. This empowers individuals to have control over their personal relationships and privacy. It respects the wishes of those who may not want to be contacted while also providing a framework for those who wish to establish contact. 5. Offences and penalties: The amendment introduces penalties for individuals who knowingly contact or attempt to contact someone despite receiving notice that they do not wish to be contacted. This protects the privacy and well-being of individuals who have expressed their desire for non-contact. It acts as a deterrent against unwanted intrusions and ensures that individuals' wishes are respected. Overall, the Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2023, can be seen as a positive step towards promoting transparency, protecting privacy, and facilitating access to information for individuals involved in the adoption process. It recognizes the importance of personal identity and familial connections while also providing safeguards to respect individuals' preferences for contact.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 87 2023: While the intention behind Bill 87 2023 may be to provide greater access to information related to adoptions, there are several concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. Firstly, this bill expands the power of the government by allowing the Registrar General to enter into agreements with authorities responsible for the registration of births and adoptions in other provinces or territories. This raises concerns about the potential for government overreach and the sharing of personal information without proper consent or oversight. Secondly, the bill infringes on the rights of individuals by allowing the government to disclose information without sufficient safeguards. The Registrar General is only required to disclose information if authorized under this Act or any other Act, which leaves room for interpretation and potential abuse of power. This lack of clarity undermines the principles of individual privacy and limited government intervention. Furthermore, the bill imposes age restrictions on accessing information, requiring individuals to be at least 18 years old to apply for uncertified copies. This restriction undermines the rights of individuals to access their own personal information and makes it more difficult for adopted persons or next of kin to obtain important details about their family history. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for contacting birth parents or adopted persons despite notice. While the intention may be to protect privacy, these penalties can be seen as excessive and unnecessary government interference in personal relationships. It is not the role of the government to dictate or regulate communication between individuals, especially when it comes to matters of family and personal connections. In conclusion, while the goal of providing greater access to adoption information may be well-intentioned, Bill 87 2023 raises concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. It expands government power, infringes on individual rights, and imposes unnecessary restrictions and penalties. A more balanced approach that respects privacy rights and limits government intervention would be preferable.
First Reading
  • March 27, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
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