Proven parenthood

A father whose wife died in childbirth sought our help in obtaining a birth certificate and Social Insurance Number for the new baby, which he needed in order to claim survivor benefits. Registrar General officials told him one of the forms he had filled out was invalid, and he would have to provide an affidavit from his deceased wife’s parents to confirm he was the child’s father. Our staff spoke to a manager at the Registrar General’s office, who reviewed the file and determined that additional proof of fatherhood was not required. The manager also confirmed the case would be expedited so the widower could proceed with his application for benefits.