New birth certificates more durable
Ontario birth certificates will now be more durable and secure, thanks to a new polymer material and innovative security features that make them difficult to counterfeit and easier to verify.
Premier Kathleen Wynne unveiled new Ontario birth certificates on March 11 at St. Michael’s Hospital. Birth certificates are used to obtain other identification and making them more secure will help prevent identity theft and fraud, stated a press release from the Wynne’s office.
The polymer birth certificates have a variety of embedded security features, including raised print, transparent windows and colour-shifting images. They are also more durable and easier to clean than the current paper certificates. With normal use, they will last a lifetime. The new design and material will not increase their cost.
Introducing polymer birth certificates is one of a number of measures Ontario is taking to improve personal security and reduce fraud and identity theft, the release stated.
“I am always looking for ways our government can help make everyday life easier for Ontarians, and these new polymer birth certificates do just that. Having a safe and durable birth certificate will provide more security and help protect people from fraud and identify theft,” Wynne said.
The new certificates will be available starting April 15. Current birth certificates are still valid and do not need to be replaced.
Parents can register their baby’s birth and apply for a birth certificate, Social Insurance Number and Canada child tax benefits at the same time, using the 4-in-1 Newborn Bundle.
