Life Events
The Township of Perth East is responsible for issuing certain permits and licenses, along with maintaining statistics for life events. Application and administrative fees may also apply.
Birth Registrations and Certificates
Birth Registrations and Certificates are delivered by Service Ontario. A birth registration contains information about the birth and is used to create a permanent legal record. A birth certificate is an extract from the original birth registration and is a government document that can be used for identification purposes and for obtaining other government services.
Birth Registration (Baby under 1 year old)
You can obtain a Statement of Live Birth form (birth registration) from the Township Office, online to print from Service Ontario to mail or you may register online through Service Ontario. After a Statement of Live Birth has been submitted, you may then apply for a Birth Certificate.
To register a birth (new baby less than a year (1) old), you must complete the “Newborn Bundle” through Service Ontario.
Birth Certificate
A Birth Certificate can only be obtained if a Statement of Live Birth (registration) has been completed. You can apply for a birth certificate online, print application to mail or obtain an application from the Township Office.
Death Registrations
A death registration is a permanent, legal record of death. A funeral director or family member is authorized to complete the statement of death once a medical certificate of death stating the cause of death is completed by a physician or the coroner.
If a deceased person is being buried in a Perth East cemetery, the licensed funeral director, on behalf of the deceased person’s family initiates this process, ensuring that forms are complete and submitted to the Township of Perth East (local registrar) for the purpose of acquiring a burial permit.
Death registrations are obtained through the Service Ontario website.
Marriage Licence
There are a number of government offices that are involved in the marriage process in Ontario. The local municipality issues marriage licences, and the Office of the Registrar General (ORG) is responsible for registering marriages and issuing marriage certificates.
Prior to a marriage licence being issued in the Province of Ontario, couples should be aware that a marriage must be solemnized under the authority of a marriage licence or the publication of banns.
Divorce outside of Canada
If either party’s previous marriage ended in Divorce outside of Canada, authorization from the Registrar General is required before a marriage licence may be issued. To obtain this authorization, the applicants, or a lawyer representing them, must submit the following:
- A completed marriage application form, signed by both applicants
- A certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce or Annulment from the jurisdiction where the divorce was granted sealed by the court. If the divorce is in another language, include a certified translation
- A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorcee, signed by both applicants (available from City Clerk’s Office)
- A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized by the Province of Ontario.
To:
The Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6L8
Divorce within Canada
If either party’s previous marriage ended in Divorce, the original copy or a certified true copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce must be submitted to the Issuer of Marriage Licences. A Divorce Judgment or Decree Nisi is not acceptable. Certified true copies can be obtained from the court, which granted the divorce. Photocopies are not accepted.
Identification
Bring 2 pieces of government issued identification for each person getting married. One piece must include your photo.
Please note: A Health Card or Social Insurance Number (SIN) are not acceptable for identification purposes when obtaining a marriage licence.
Examples of government issued identification:
- Government issued Birth Certificate, including any change of name certificates
- Valid Passport
- Valid Drivers Licence
- Valid Ontario Photo Card (not Ontario Health Card)
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (Canadian Citizenship Card)
- Record of Immigrant landing
If you or your partner have been divorced, please review the Divorce within Canada or Divorce outside of Canada section.
Licence Fee
The fee for a marriage licence at the Township of Perth East can be found on Schedule A under Fees and Charges, under Licensing. It is payable by cash, debit or cheque, to the Township of Perth East.
Marriage Ceremony
Marriage Licence Application
Couples wishing to be married in Ontario must complete a marriage licence application form, signed by both parties to the marriage. The application form must be submitted, with the appropriate identification (see below), in person by one or both of the parties to the Municipal Office.
Provided that the information is complete and correct, the licence will be issued, and is valid anywhere in Ontario for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance.
Marriage License Application forms can be obtained at the Municipal Office
Marriage Registration and Certificate
After the marriage, the marrying couple may receive a Record of Solemnization of Marriage.
This document includes the couple’s names, the date of the marriage, the names of the witnesses and whether the marriage was performed under the authority of a licence or the publication of banns. This is not a legal record.
The person who performed the marriage must forward the Record of Solemnization of Marriage and the marriage licence to the Office of the Registrar General for registration.
Once your marriage has been registered, you may apply for a marriage certificate. Application forms can be obtained from the Municipal Office. Online registration is also available at www.serviceontario.ca under life events.
Send the completed form to the Office of the Registrar General with the proper fees:
Contact
Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6L8
1.800.461.2156 or 416.325.8305
Minors
No person under 16 years of age may be married. An applicant who is 16 or 17 years of age is required to have both parents or guardian(s) fill out a form at the Clerk’s office at the time of applying for the marriage licence giving their written consent.
Publication of Banns
A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns where both parties to the proposed marriage worship regularly at their own Church in Canada.
For further information regarding the publication of banns, please contact a member of the clergy.
Widow or Widower
Civil Marriage Services
The Township of Perth East has three qualified Marriage Officiants who are designated to perform civil marriages for those eligible and who wish to be married in a civil ceremony. Please contact the office at 519-595-2800 to obtain a planning package.
See Schedule A of the Fees and Charges by-law for Civil Marriage Services.
