CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Islanders are invited by the government of P.E.I. to share their feedback on whether or not adoption records should be open.
Adoption on the province is governed by the Adoption Act. Under existing legislation, the identities of parties involved can only be revealed with consent.
Minister of Family and Human Services, Tina Mundy says that attitudes about adoption are changing and more people are interested in greater access to birth records.
“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,” she said.
Patsy MacLean, from HRA Atlantic, will lead an advisory committee to facilitate the engagement process. The committee has members from Family and Human Services, Vital Statistics and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I.
Islanders can share feedback until Saturday, March 31 by attending a public meeting, sending written submissions, or requesting a private meeting.
A final report with recommendations based on themes identified from the public engagement will be completed in June.
More information can be found at www.princeedwardisland.ca/adoption-act-review.
