Starting today, Aug. 1, new parents in B.C. will be able to register the birth of their newborn child online with the launch of a new birth registration system.
Registration creates a permanent legal record of a birth, and every B.C.born baby's birth must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency. No fee is charged for registrations received within 30 days of a child's birth.
"The birth of a child is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time for families, and this easyto-use system will help make this busy time a little easier," said Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government, Margaret MacDiarmid.
Parents can already go online to apply for their child's birth certificate. As part of the new online birth registration system, they can also apply online for Canada Child Benefits, the baby's Social Insurance Number and Medical Services Plan coverage.
Parents without access to a computer may request a paper birth registration form from the Vital Statistics Agency by calling 250-952-2681 in Victoria or 1-888-876-1633 toll-free in other parts of the province.
About 44,000 babies are born in B.C. each year.
