McGuinty Government Opens Records For The First Time Since 1927

Starting today, adopted adults and birth parents can get more information about their past.

Ontario is making it easier for many Ontarians to look for information about their birth relatives. The Access to Adoption Records Act, 2008 gives adopted adults and birth parents access to information that is currently sealed in their adoption records. Adopted adults and birth parents can also protect their privacy by filing a disclosure veto or no contact notice.

Individuals should contact ServiceOntario to apply for information from their birth and adoption records. This service is free.

QUOTES

“Many of us are curious about our backgrounds. Some like to trace their family tree. People involved in an adoption are no different. They want to know about their past. They want to know what happened to their children. By opening Ontario’s adoption records we’re helping people to learn about their personal history, while protecting their privacy.”
— Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services

“For years, adopted individuals and birth parents have needed personal and family information from their birth certificates and adoption records.  Today, thanks to the legislation passed by the government of Ontario, acquiring this information is finally possible. “
— Wendy Rowney, Coalition for Open Adoption Records

QUICK FACTS

• Approximately 250,000 adoption orders have been filed in Ontario since 1921
  
• Since 1979, about 75,000 Ontarians have told the province they are trying to find their birth relatives
  
• Ontario is the fifth Canadian province to open its adoption records. British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador already have open records, as do the United Kingdom and the Australian state of New South Wales.

LEARN MORE

Discover what adoption information is available, and how to find it.

Visit the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to learn more about adoption.