Mr. Speaker, the problem that the Member is referring to comes from custom adoptions, I believe, where delays in the process for formally approving a custom adoption have often meant years where a person is without even the most basic documentation, such as a birth certificate, social insurance number, and the like. I would like to assure the honourable Member that this problem has been brought to my attention, and I have asked my department to look at ways of solving this problem through legislative amendments to the Vital Statistics Act. It seems to me the solution, Mr. Speaker, is to grant birth certificates, even pending the formal and final approval of a custom adoption, so that these children are at least given birth certificates. We are proceeding with that, and I know that when the bill comes to the standing committee on legislation, after it has been approved by cabinet, the chairman will give it speedy consideration. Thank you.
Dennis Patterson on Question O124-12(2): NWT People Without Birth Certificates
In the Legislative Assembly on February 21st, 1992. See this statement in context.
Return To Question O124-12(2): Nwt People Without Birth Certificates
Question O124-12(2): NWT People Without Birth Certificates
Item 5: Oral Questions
February 20th, 1992
Page 97
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
See context to find out what was said next.