Sunday, April 25, 2004

Is it true that once our parents are deceased we are entitled to the information? I am adopted, but my birth mother was also adopted, which prevents me from going back any further. Her parents are long deceased, and I have just learned that my mother died 7 years ago. Can I get HER birth information, to find MY roots? What do I need to access this information? Thanks for your help.

To the first question: Due to the Privacy Act no one is 'entitled' to birth information on any person born within the past 92 years other than themselves or their minor children. The exception is those who have power of attorney over the person in question, or executors/next-of-kin seeking information on a deceased person (proof of death and proof of your relationship to the person is required).

Your other questions are difficult to answer as your situation involves two adoptions. Contact the Adoption Disclosure Register, they'll know how to help you.

Adoption Disclosure Register
Ministry of Community and Social Services/Ministry of Children's Services
2 Bloor Street West, 24th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1E9
Tel: (416) 327-4730
Fax: (416) 327-0573

Friday, April 16, 2004

Friday, April 9, 2004

A great aunt died of alcoholic dementia at 999 Queen Street,Toronto. How could I find the address of her husband when she died and where she was buried in the hope of finding what became of him.

Records from the Queen Street Mental Health Centre are held at the Archives of Ontario. Depending upon the year your great aunt died, you may be able to access those records (more info). As for her husband, unless you know the city/town where he/they lived there isn't much you can do if they were living past the 1901 census (if living prior to the 1901 census check census records). If you know the city check their local directories or telephone books.