Each province in Canada is responsible for the vital records in that province. After a period of time historical vital records are transferred to the province's provincial archive and then these document are made available to the general public, through a cooperative system between the Federal Government of Canada and each of the provinces and territories.[1] There are varied timeframes before historical vital records are made available to that province's archive.
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British Columbia
British Columbia Vital Records are house in the BC Archival Collection at the Royal BC Museum Corporation in Victoria, British Columbia. Births (1854-1903) and Baptisms (1836-1888).
Alberta
The Provincial Archives of Alberta provides access to hundreds of thousands of historical vital statistic records. Birth records that are 120 years or older (from date of birth), stillbirth records that are 75 years or older (from date of still birth).
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan vital statistics allows the publication of genealogical indexes of vital historical events. Births (more than 100 years ago)
Manitoba
The vital statistics branch of the Manitoba government is responsible for the administration of vital events. Births records that are more than 100 years old.
Ontario
The Archives of Ontario receives vital statistics from the office of the Registrar General of Ontario on an annual basis. Births records predominately between 1869-1917.
Quebec
From 1679 to 1993 most vital records were copies of church records. Churches were required to send copies to the government archives. On January 1, 1994, the government began to keep separate vital records.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Civil registration started in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1891. At that time all clergy were required to register with the government all baptism, marriages, and burials. Prior to 1891 all records were kept by the clergy. A finding aid is available for Newfoundland Births (1840-1915) at The Rooms Provincial Archives Division.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Archives makes historical vital statistics available to the public. Birth records from 1864-1877 as well as delayed registration 1830-1922, 1908-1922.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick vital records are available to search online. Birth records (1800-1928).
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island’s vital records are available through the PARO Collection Database. Baptisms (including the former PEI Baptismal Index, 1777-1923).
Northwest Territories
The birth, marriage and death records for the Northwest Territories began in 1925. These records are held at Vital Statistics, Department of Health and Social Services. Earlier records for the Northwest Territories were included in records made for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Yukon Territories. They must be obtained from those provinces.
Prior to 1999 Nunavut was part of the Northwest Territories. These records are still held at the Vital Statistics, Department of Health and Social Services.
Yukon
Vital Statistics records for the Yukon are in the care of the Registrar. There are no special genealogical certificates available only regular certificates.
Explore more about birth records in Canada
- British Columbia Birth & Baptism records collection at MyHeritage.
- Saskatchewan Birth records collection at MyHeritage
- Manitoba Birth Index, 1880-1919 collection at MyHeritage.
- Ontario Birth 1869-1912 collection at MyHeritage.
- Quebec, Catholic Parish Baptism records collection at MyHeritage.
- Nova Scotia Birth 1836-1921 records collection at MyHeritage.
- New Brunswick Births 1801-1921 records collection at MyHeritage.
- Prince Edward Island Birth and Baptisms record collection at MyHeritage.
- How to Find Birth, Marriage and Death Registrations in Canada webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
References
- ↑ Frequently asked questions on Vital Statistics. Statistics Canada