Nova Scotia to Change Birth Registration

The provincial government has changed the birth-registration process to ensure that it complies with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Changes to Vital Statistics regulations announced today, Sept. 20, will now provide same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.

"We are committed to ensuring that same-sex couples are treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone else," said Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Changes to the birth-registration process will help ensure that Nova Scotia laws don't discriminate against same-sex couples."

The new Vital Statistics regulations allow the same-sex partner or spouse of the birth mother to be registered as the other parent on the birth registration.

"Our government is committed to ensuring that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and its underlying principles, are upheld in all our programs and initiatives," said Mr. Muir.

The changes to the regulations are effective immediately.