Fee to be eliminated for about 40,000 Ontarians.
The Ontario government is eliminating the $35 fee for birth certificates for residents who are homeless or experiencing other severe financial hardships.
The Birth Certificate Fee Waiver Program will provide such Ontarians the option to receive a birth certificate for free through non-profit organizations.
Participating organizations will fill the need for an acceptable guarantor, and the program will resolve other impediments such as a lack of a mailing address.
"Our government is keeping costs down by providing $1.4 million in financial relief to the most vulnerable Ontarians and ensuring they can more easily access the critical services they need," said Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. "Eliminating this fee is another way we’re supporting the work of not-for-profits across our province and building a stronger Ontario."
The change will help remove barriers to services requiring birth certificates, such as housing, health care, food and social assistance.
About 27 non-profits across Ontario currently participate in the fee waiver program.
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