News release

Amendments Introduced to Solemnization of Marriage Act

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

The province is making it easier to appoint Nova Scotians responsible for issuing marriage licences.

Proposed amendments to the Solemnization of Marriage Act, introduced today, Nov. 16, will allow the registrar of Vital Statistics to appoint deputy issuers of marriage licences.

Appointments will no longer require the approval of cabinet.

"These changes simplify and streamline the appointment process and will help reduce unnecessary red tape," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

The proposed change will allow the registrar to appoint or revoke the appointment of deputy issuers in a more timely manner.

Since 2000, marriage licences have been sold by deputy issuers at Access Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Municipality customer service centres. There are also private issuers in some communities.