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. You can access colonial marriages (1859-1872) and Marriage (1871-1947).
Alberta
The Provincial Archives of Alberta provides access to hundreds of thousands of historical vital statistic records. Marriage records that are 75 years or older (from date of marriage) are available.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan vital statistics allows the publication of genealogical indexes of vital historical events. Marriage records are not available at this time.
Manitoba
The vital statistics branch of the Manitoba government is responsible for the administration of vital events. Marriage records more than 80 years ago are available.
Ontario
The Archives of Ontario receives vital statistics from the office of the Registrar General of Ontario on an annual basis. Currently Marriages between 1801-1942 are available.
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. Marriage records are available on microfilm at the Archives.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Archives makes historical vital statistics available to the public. Marriages: Bonds 1763-1864 and Marriage registrations 1864-1947.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Marriage records (1847-1972) vital records are available to search online.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island’s vital records are available through the PARO Collection Database. Marriage licenses, 1827-1919 (includes digitized originals, 1827-1888), Marriage registrations, 1920-1936.
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.
See also
Explore more about marriage records in Canada
- British Columbia Marriage records collection at MyHeritage.
- Manitoba Marriage Index 1900-1940 records collection at MyHeritage.
- Repertoire des Mariages du Comte de Glengarry, Ontario record collection at MyHeritage.
- Quebec, Catholic Parish Marriage records collection at MyHeritage.
- Quebec, Marriage records collection at MyHeritage.
- Quebec Marriage Returns 1926-1997 collection at MyHeritage.
- Nova Scotia Marriage records collection at MyHeritage.
- New Brunswick Marriage records collection at MyHeritage.
- Prince Edward Island Marriage 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