Should the province’s adoption records be open?

Supporting Island families     

The provincial government wants feedback from Islanders on whether or not Prince Edward Island’s adoption records should be open. 

Islanders can provide input until March 31 by attending a public meeting, sending written submissions, or requesting a private meeting.

 “Public attitudes about adoption are evolving and more people are interested in greater access to their adoption information,” Family and Human Services Minister Tina Mundy said. “The current legislation balances the rights and privacy of all parties to an adoption, including the birth parents, the children and the adoptive parents. Government wants to hear from Islanders and must consider the rights of all parties when reviewing potential changes to legislation.”     

Adoption in Prince Edward Island is governed by the Adoption Act. Under the existing legislation, the identities of adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents cannot be released without consent.

An advisory committee, chaired by Patsy MacLean, HRA Atlantic is facilitating the engagement process. The committee has members from Family and Human Services, Vital Statistics and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island

A final report with recommendations based on themes identified from the public engagement will be completed by June 2018.     

 Media contact:

Darlene Gillis
Department of Family and Human Services
ddgillis@gov.pe.ca