2007 Becoming EDITION a Parent

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Publication produced by Services Québec in collaboration with the Régie des rentes du Québec.

Updating Mélanie Lavoie

Advertising Sales and Graphic Production Oxygène communication Phone: 418 687-5870 650 rue Graham-Bell, Suite 216 Québec City, QC G1N 4H5 Internet: www.oxygene.qc.ca E-mail: [email protected]

This document and its French version Devenir parent can be downloaded (in the PDF format) from the Québec government portal at www.gouv.qc.ca or the website of the Régie des rentes du Québec at www.rrq.gouv.qc.ca.

Legal deposit – 2006 Note: Bibliothèque nationale du Québec Certain programs may change during the National Library of Canada year. The information contained in this ISBN-10 : 2-550-48454-1 guide was verified in October 2006. ISBN-13 : 978-2-550-48454-7 ©Gouvernement du Québec, 2006 The information provided herein by All international rights reserved Services Québec does not have force of law. Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre Devenir parent. Any reproduction of this guide for Vous pouvez obtenir un exemplaire commercial purposes is prohibited unless gratuitement en téléphonant authorized by Services Québec. à Services Québec au 1 800 363-1363.

2 Becoming a parent Foreword

The arrival of a child is a magical If, after reading this guide, you require moment for the whole family. Yet further information on the programs this happy event also brings with it a and services mentioned, feel free to call number of administrative tasks. The a Services Québec information officer Becoming a Parent guide will help you at 1 800 363-1363. They’ll be able to understand the programs, services, and provide general information on all financial assistance available upon the Québec government programs and arrival of a child. In it you’ll find useful services. You can also visit the Services information and addresses to help you Québec point of service nearest you. truly prepare for your little bundle of joy. For information on Government of Canada programs, call Service Canada The 2007 edition of the guide includes at 1 800 622-6232. the changes made to international adoption procedures and the Child Many departments and organizations Assistance Program administered by participated in the development of this the Régie des rentes du Québec. guide. We wish to sincerely thank all those involved for their assistance in updating this guide.

Happy reading!

Forword 3 Table of Contents

Foreword 3 During Pregnancy 6 Prenatal Meetings 6 Perinatal Services 6 Nutrition 6 For a Safe Maternity Program 6 Midwives 8 The Role of Midwives 8 Recognition of Midwives 8 Midwife Practices 8 Tax Credit for Infertility Treatment 9 Leave Granted under the Act Respecting Labour Standards 9 Leave for Medical Examinations Related to Pregnancy 9 Maternity Leave 9 Spousal Leave upon the Birth or the Adoption of a Child 10 Paternity Leave 10 Parental Leave 12 Unexpected Events 14 Québec Parental Insurance Plan 14 A Concrete Way to Strike a Better Balance Between Work and Family 14 Eligibility 15 Benefits 15 How to Apply 16

Québec Maternity Benefit Program 16 Employment Assistance: A Special Pregnancy Benefit 17 Upon the Birth of the Child 18 Rights and Obligations 18 Filiation 18 Obligations of Parents 19 All Children Are Equal 19 Choosing a Given Name and Family Name 19 Additional Information 20 Registration 21 Attestation of Birth 21 Declaration of Birth: The Child’s Act of Birth 21 How to Complete the Declaration of Birth 22 When to Declare the Birth 22 Late Registration or Failure to Register the Child in the Civil Status Register 24 Obtaining Proof of Birth 24 Screening for Hereditary Metabolic Diseases 25 Your Baby’s Urine Is Very Precious 25 Which Hereditary Metabolic Diseases Can Be Detected? 25

4 Becoming a parent If a Urine Sample Is Not Taken on the 21st Day 25 Who Pays for These Analyses? 26 Child Benefits 26 Canada Child Tax Benefit 26 National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) 26 Child Disability Benefit (CDB) 26 NEW - Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) 26 Procedure 27 Child Assistance 27 Child Assistance Payments 27 Supplement for handicapped Children 28 Sickness Benefits 29 Assistance Granted to Parents of Triplets or Quadruplets 29 Breastfeeding Assistance 30 Special Breastfeeding Benefit 30 Support for the Purchase of Infant Formula 30 Health Insurance and Prescription Drug Insurance 30 Health Insurance Card 30 Prescription Drug Insurance 31 Child Safety 31 Seats for Newborn 31 Consumer Product Safety 32 Centre antipoison du Québec 32 Educational Services and Daycare Services 33 Educational Childcare Services 33 Making an Informed Choice 33 Advance Payment of the Refundable Childcare Tax Credit 34 Passport 34 Travelling with a Child 34 Procedure 35 Work Premium 35 Shelter Allowance Program 36 “Mon arbre à moi” Campaign 37 Adoption 38 Steps in Adopting a Child Domiciled in Québec 38 International Adoption 39 Resource Material 49 Services for the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Who Have a Teletypewriter 50 Québec Government National Portal on the Internet 52 Table of Contents 5 During Pregnancy

For more information on Fondation Prenatal Meetings OLO or other nutritional assistance pro- Many health and social services centres grams, contact the CLSC or CSSS in (CSSS) offer prenatal information ser- your area. The address is listed in the vices. Mothers-to-be should contact white pages of the telephone book, their CSSS to find out about the ser- under “CLSC.” vices available.

Perinatal Services For a Safe Perinatal services include group and Maternity Program individual prenatal meetings, parental education meetings (age 0–4), inte- A worker who is pregnant or breast- grated perinatal and early childhood feeding enjoys special protection under services for families in vulnerable situa- the Act respecting occupational health tions, information on promoting and safety. If her working conditions breastfeeding and postnatal visits. are dangerous to her health or to her These services are designed to better unborn child or the child she is nursing, prepare parents for pregnancy, delivery, she is entitled to be reassigned to other and arrival of the child. Meetings are duties that are not dangerous and that available in most Québec regions. she is able to perform.

To find out where to register, contact If her workstation cannot be modified the CSSS in your area. or if no other assignment is possible, she may temporarily stop working and receive compensation from the Com- Nutrition mission de la santé et de la sécurité du Good nutrition during pregnancy is travail (CSST). This is not maternity vital to the health of the unborn child. leave, but rather a preventive-type As part of the integrated perinatal and program whose main objective is to early childhood services for families in allow the worker to stay at work in a vulnerable situations offered through safe environment. CLSCs in Québec (recently renamed “health and social services centres” The measures that employers have at [CSSS]), Fondation OLO helps ensure their disposal to meet this objective are healthy babies at birth by providing the following: essential foods (eggs, milk, orange juice) and vitamin and mineral sup- • Elimination of danger at source plements to needy pregnant women. In • Change in the worker’s duties addition to helping prevent malnutri- • Workstation modification tion in pregnant women and improving • Reassignment to another duty the health of newborns, Fondation or job OLO helps connect young families with other key resources through the CSSS network and its teams of perinatal professionals.

6 Becoming a parent VACCINATION PROVIDES GOOD PROTECTION

By having your child vaccinated, you give him or her the best possible protection against several serious diseases. To better protect your child, do not forget any vaccination and have the vaccination done at the recommended ages. It is up to you to make an appointment at the CLSC in your health and social services centre or with your doctor in order to have your child vaccinated.

When should I have my child vaccinated? The first vaccination is given at 2 months of age so as to protect your child rapidly. Several doses of the vaccine are sometimes necessary to establish protection and to maintain a sufficient quantity of the protective antibodies.

Your child should receive: Between 2 et 23 months Between 4 et 16 years of age DTaP-Polio-Hib The Pneumococcal The MMR The DTaP-Polio The Hepatitis B The dTap vaccine conjugate vaccine vaccine vaccine vaccine vaccine

At 2 months At 12 months Between 4 and In the 4th year Between 14 and At 4 months At 2 months 6 years of age of elementary 16 years of age At 6 months At 4 months At 18 months school A booster of Td vaccine At 18 months At 12 months every 10 years thereafter This vaccine This vaccine This vaccine This vaccine This vaccine This vaccine protects against: protects against: protects against: protects against: protects against: protects against: • Diphtheria (D) • Serious infections • Measles (M) • Diphtheria (D) • Hepatitis B • Diphtheria (d) • Tetanus (T) caused by the • Mumps (M) • Tetanus (T) • Tetanus (T) • Pertussis (aP) pneumococcal germ • Rubella (R) • Pertussis (aP) • Pertussis (ap) • Poliomyelitis (Polio) • Poliomyelitis (Polio) •Severe Haemophilus The Meningococcus The Chickenpox influenzae type b vaccine vaccine infections (Hib) The Influenza At 12 months At 12 months vaccine This vaccine This vaccine (during the flu season) protects against: protects against: Between 6 • Groupe C • Chickenpox and 23 months meningococcus

www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/vaccination To avail herself of the For a Safe Maternity Program, the worker must Midwives ask a physician to fill out the form entitled Preventive Withdrawal and The Role of Midwives Reassignment Certificate for a Pregnant The practice of midwifery consists of or Breastfeeding Worker. any act, the purpose of which is to provide a woman with the professional That physician must consult the care and services required during physician in charge of health services at normal pregnancy, labour, and delivery, the establishment where the worker is and to provide a woman and her child employed. If there is no physician at with the professional care and services the establishment, the physician desi- required during the first six weeks of a gnated by the head of the public health normal postnatal period. department in the area where the establishment is located must be con- Recognition of Midwives sulted. The certificate is valid only if such a consultation is carried out. The Midwives Act in effect since 1999 There is no charge to the worker for defines the scope of midwifery prac- the certificate. tice, recognizes the formation of a professional order of midwives, and A worker must proceed in the same contains measures aimed at integrating way if she wishes to avail herself of the midwives into the health and social program in regard to breastfeeding. services network. Even if she obtained a reassignment or preventive withdrawal because of Under this new act, midwives are pregnancy, she must get a new cer- administratively linked to CSSSs (CLSC) tificate for breastfeeding. In such cases, and must sign service contracts with however, only conditions that put the them. In addition to working in breastfed child’s health at risk can be birthing centers, they may perform taken into consideration. home or hospital deliveries for clients who so desire. For more information, contact one of the regional divisions of the CSST. Midwife Practices Eight birthing centers in six Québec The address is listed in the blue pages regions offer midwife services: of the telephone book in the Gouver- nement du Québec section under • Montréal-Centre (Maison “Santé et sécurité du travail,” or under de naissance Lac-Saint-Louis the “Keyword Heading” in the new and Maison de naissance blue pages. Côte-des-Neiges)

• Québec–Chaudières-Appalaches (Maison de naissance Mimosa)

• Bas-Saint-Laurent (Maison de naissance Collette-Julien)

• Estrie (Centre de maternité de l’Estrie)

• Outaouais (Maison de naissance de l’Outaouais)

8 Becoming a parent • Nunavik (Centre de Santé Inuulitsivik) Leave Granted under the Act Respecting • Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec (Maison de naissance de la Rivière) Labour Standards

For more information, contact Ordre Note : Unionized employees should des sages-femmes du Québec or a check the clauses in their collective CSSS (CLSC). agreements dealing with leave. You should also refer to the section on Ordre des sages-femmes the Québec Parental Insurance Plan du Québec because some unpaid leave speci- 430 rue Sainte-Hélène, Suite 405 fied by the Act respecting labour Montréal, QC H2Y 2K7 standards is now paid under the Phone: 514 286-1313 provisions of this plan (since Fax: 514 286-0008 January 1, 2006).

Leave for Medical Tax Credit for Examinations Related to Infertility Treatment Pregnancy An employee may be absent from Individuals may apply for a refundable work, without pay, for medical exami- tax credit for artificial insemination or nations related to her pregnancy. She in vitro fertilization fees. The credit is must notify her employer as soon as equal to 30% of all fees eligible for the possible of the time she will be away. credit and may not exceed $6,000 per year. To apply for the tax credit, you Maternity Leave must attach the duly completed form and supporting documents to your tax Generally speaking, Québec employees return. are entitled to the maternity leave provided for under the Act respecting For more information, contact the labour standards. Revenu Québec office in your area or visit the Revenu Québec website at Leave period: www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca. • Maternity leave may last no more than 18 consecutive weeks without pay.

• If the employee requests it, the employer can grant longer maternity leave.

• Maternity leave may not start before the beginning of the 16th week before the anticipated date of delivery.

During Pregnancy 9 Provisions also stipulate that the Spousal Leave upon the employee may be absent in certain Birth or the Adoption cases, for example: of a Child • When there is a danger of An employee may be absent from work interruption of the pregnancy for five days upon the birth or adoption or a danger to the health of the of a child, or when the pregnancy is th mother or the unborn child interrupted as of the 20 week. The because of the pregnancy first two days of absence are paid if the employee has accumulated at least • When the pregnancy is 60 days of service. The employee must interrupted before the start of the notify the employer of this absence as 20th week preceding the soon as possible. Since a person who anticipated date of delivery adopts the child of his/her spouse has also been entitled to this leave. • When the pregnancy is interrupted as of the 20th week This leave may be taken one day at a time if the employee so requests, but it • When the mother’s or the child’s may be taken no later than 15 days state of health requires it after the child’s arrival at the residence of the father or mother, or the Three weeks before her departure, or interruption of the pregnancy. less if her state of health forces her to leave sooner, the worker must provide Paternity Leave her employer with a written notice indicating the date on which her When the Québec Parental Insurance maternity leave will begin and the Plan comes came into effect on anticipated date of her return to work. January 1, 2006, so too did a provision of the Act respecting labour stan- The notice must be accompanied by a dards: An employee is entitled to five medical certificate attesting to the consecutive weeks of unpaid paternity pregnancy and the anticipated date of leave. He or she may receive the delivery. A written report signed by a allowance provided by the Québec midwife may be substituted for the Parental Insurance Plan. Paternity leave medical certificate. may not be transferred to the mother or divided between the father and At the end of the maternity leave, the mother. It is in addition to the five days employer must reinstate the employee of leave (two paid) mentioned in the in her usual position and give her the section above. It may be taken at any salary and benefits to which she would time but may not begin before the have been entitled had she remained at week the child is born and must end no work. later than 52 weeks after birth.

For example, Paul’s spouse gives birth on Wednesday, February 14, 2007. Paul is entitled to five days of leave (two paid) starting on February 14, 2007, although he is not required to take the three days of unpaid leave.

10 Becoming a parent

Then Paul’s spouse, who took an Parental leave may not begin prior to 18 week maternity leave ending on the week in which the child is born or Wednesday, June 6, 2007, takes 32 the week the child is entrusted to the consecutive weeks of parental leave employee’s care in the case of adop- (she is entitled to 52 weeks, as is Paul, tion. It can also begin the week that but under the Québec Parental the employee leaves work in order to Insurance Plan, the allowance is paid travel outside Québec to pick up the for a maximum of 32 weeks, to be child. Parental leave ends no later than divided between the spouses). They 70 weeks after the birth of the child or agreed that Paul would take the five 70 weeks after the child is entrusted to week paternity leave to which he is the employee’s care in the case of entitled starting on June 6, 2007. This adoption. leave, for which he is entitled to an allowance equal to 70% of his average To take parental leave, employees must gross weekly salary under the Québec give their employer at least three Parental Insurance Plan, will end on weeks’ notice, indicating the date on July 11, 2007, or within the timeframe which the leave will begin and the date specified by the Act respecting labour on which they will return to work. standards (paternity leave must end no Notice may be shorter in certain cases. later than 52 weeks after the birth of the child). At the end of parental leave, the employer must allow employees to return to their usual positions at the Parental Leave same salary and with the same benefits The mother and father of a newborn to which they would have been child and a person who adopts a child entitled had they remained at work. If who is not yet of school age are the position has been eliminated, the entitled to parental leave without pay employee retains the same rights and for no more than 52 consecutive privileges as if he or she had not taken weeks. This is in addition to maternity leave. leave, which lasts a maximum of 18 weeks or, in the case of the father, However, these provisions must not to the five-week paternity leave that give the employee an advantage the came into effect on January 1, 2006. employee would not have had if he or Parental leave may be paid according she had not taken leave. Furthermore, to the terms of the Québec Parental the employee’s participation in group Insurance Plan and, according to the insurance and retirement plans must terms of this plan, divided between the not be affected by his or her absence, father and mother. provided he or she regularly makes the contributions required under the plans Since January 1, 2006, a person who and the employer pays its share. adopts the child of his or her spouse has been entitled to parental leave and to the allowance provided.

12 Becoming a parent Soon-to-be parents?

The Act respecting Labour Standards contains or education of their child. Provisions also numerous provisions concerning absences for allow the father to be absent from work at the events related to pregnancy. It also provides time of the birth or the adoption of a child, or for a maternity leave lasting a maximum of parents to be absent from work to meet 18 uninterrupted weeks, a leave that the obligations related to the care, health or employee can take as she sees fit before or education of their child in the event of after the anticipated date of delivery. It also unforeseeable circumstances or circumstances entitled the father of a newborn to a 5-week beyond their control. paternity leave. Other provisions of the Act establish a frame- The Act respecting Labour Standards also work for the return to work of employees after provides for a leave for an adoption and a a maternity leave or a parental leave, and parental leave without pay of 52 uninter- precise the calculation of the vacation indem- rupted weeks, of which the father and the nity of an employee on maternity leave when mother of a newborn and the person who the effect of her absence is to reduce her adopts a child, including the child of his vacation pay. spouse, may benefit. Finally, he Act provides, under certain condi- The Act protects pregnant employees against tions, for a leave of not more than 12 weeks dismissal, suspension, transfer, discriminatory during a 12-month period when the presence measures and reprisals. Under certain condi- of a parent is required with his child due to a tions, the same protection applies to the serious illness or a serious accident. This mother and the father when they refuse to absence can be extended up to 104 weeks work beyond their usual working hours to when it is a serious and potentially mortal meet obligations related to the custody, health illness.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? Read the information found in this pamphlet carefully. You can also consult our web site or contact Customer Services at the Commission des normes du travail.We invite you to request our free publication Labour Standards in Québec, or download it off the Internet.

www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca Montréal Area (514) 873-7061 Elsewhere in Québec, toll free 1 800 265-1414 Unexpected Events Advantages of the QPIP If an unexpected event (e.g., a child With the QPIP, Québec families enjoy a becomes ill or is hospitalized, or an more generous, more flexible, and employee becomes ill or is injured in an more accessible plan – in short, a plan accident.) occurs during maternity that’s better adapted to their reality. leave, parental leave, or, (since January 1, 2006), during paternity More Generous leave, the leave may be split up or The maximum insurable income taken suspended, with some restrictions. If into account when calculating the such an event happens, contact the amount of benefits is $57,000 in 2006. Commission des normes du travail for This income is indexed every year on information on your rights. January l based on the rate set by Commission de la santé et de la For more information, contact the sécurité du travail. Benefits may cover Commission des normes du travail as much as 75% of the recipient’s (CNT): average weekly income. • www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca More Flexible • Montréal Area: 514 873-7061 The QPIP offers a choice of two • Elsewhere in Québec: options–the basic or special plan–that 1 800 265-1414 differ in terms of the duration of leave • Teletypewriter: see page 50 and the percentage of income repla- ced. This makes it possible to receive lower benefits for a longer period of Québec Parental time or higher benefits for a shorter Insurance Plan period. Benefits are payable starting on the first day of eligibility. A Concrete Way to More Accessible Strike a Better Balance Both salaried and self-employed Between Work and Family workers may be eligible. The Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) issues benefits to all eligible Farmers with a salaried job on or off salaried or self-employed who take the farm who hold shares in a farming maternity, paternity, parental, or adop- enterprise may be eligible. tion leave. As of January 1, 2006, it replaced the maternity, parental, and The minimum insurable income taken adoption benefits available to new into account when calculating the parents in Québec under the federal amount of benefits is $2,000, regard- employment insurance plan. less of the number of hours worked.

The QPIP is an income replacement In addition to maternity benefits, plan, which means you must have parental benefits, and adoption bene- earned employment or business fits, paternity benefits are available income in order to be eligible. exclusively for new fathers.

14 Becoming a parent Eligibility If you are both a salaried and self- To be eligible for the Québec Parental employed worker, you must also Insurance Plan, you must • Reside in Québec at the start of • Be the parent of a child the benefit period and have born or adopted on or resided in Québec on December after January 1, 2006 31 of the year prior to the AND benefit period start date • Contribute to the Québec • Have an insurable income Parental Insurance Plan of at least $2,000 in the If you are a salaried worker, you must reference period also • Have stopped your business • Reside in Québec at the start activities or reduced the time of the benefit period spent on business activities by at least 40% and stopped working • Have an insurable income or seen a drop of at least 40% of at least $2,000 in the in your usual weekly earnings reference period, regardless of the number of hours worked Benefits

• Have stopped working or seen a There are four types of benefits: drop of at least 40% in your • Maternity benefits for the mother usual weekly earnings only If you are a self-employed worker, you • Paternity benefits for the father must also only • Reside in Québec at the • Parental benefits both parents start of the benefit period can share and have resided in Québec on December 31 of the year prior • Adoption benefits both parents to the benefit period start date can share

• Have an insurable income Parents must choose between two of at least $2,000 in the options: the basic plan or the special reference period plan. They must then decide on the length of leave and their income • Have stopped your business replacement rate. activities or reduced the time spent on business activities by This first parent to receive benefits de- at least 40% termines the choice of plan. This choice cannot be changed. Consequently, one parent’s choice affects the other, even in the case of shared custody.

During Pregnancy 15 The following table summarizes the different options.

Basic plan Special plan Maximum Percentage of Maximum Percentage of number average number of average Type of of benefit weekly benefit weekly benefits weeks income weeks income

Maternity 18 70% 15 75% Paternity 5 70% 3 75% Parental 7 70% 25 75% 25 55% (7+25 = 32) Adoption 12 70% 28 75% 25 55% (12+25 = 37)

How to Apply Québec Maternity For the first time, the Québec government is offering the option of Benefit Program completing the entire application The Ministère de l’Emploi et de la process online. To do so, go to the Solidarité sociale pays a single benefit of Québec Parental Insurance Plan $360 to supplement the income of a website at www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca. woman who Applications can also be made by • Must be absent from work telephone with the help of a customer because of maternity service agent by calling toll free 1 888 610-7727. • Is eligible for employment insurance maternity benefits For more information Visit the Québec Parental Insurance • Has resided permanently in Plan website at www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca Québec for at least 12 months or call 1 888 610-7727. on the date her maternity leave begins

• Has a gross family income of less than $55,000

• Applies for the benefit no later than one year after the date of her eligibility for employment insurance maternity benefits

16 Becoming a parent This program is for women who gave birth before January 1, 2006. After this Employment date, they may apply for the Québec Assistance: A Special Parental Insurance Plan. Pregnancy Benefit The form entitled Maternity Benefit Application may be obtained from a If an expectant mother is a beneficiary Human Resource Centre of Canada or of the employment assistance (social from Services Québec. aid) program, the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale may grant her For more information, contact an additional $55 a month as a special pregnancy benefit, in addition to her Service des opérations financières monthly benefit. This benefit may also Ministère de l’Emploi be paid to the parent beneficiary of a et de la Solidarité sociale dependent child who is pregnant. 425 rue Saint-Amable, 2nd floor Québec City, QC G1R 4Z1 This assistance, which is paid during Phone: 418 646-4099 each month of pregnancy until delivery, or 1 800 463-4022 will enable the expectant mother to Fax: 418 646-6436 buy the foods required for a proper diet during this period. Mailing address: P.O. Box 15 900 To obtain this benefit, the expectant Postal Terminal mother must provide her local employ- Québec City, QC G1K 8A7 ment centre case officer with the following document:

• A certificate signed by a physician or midwife confirming her pregnancy and setting out the number of weeks pregnant and expected delivery date

For more information, contact your local employment centre.

The address is listed in the blue pages of the telephone book in the Gou- vernement du Québec section, under the heading “Aide financière.” In certain phone books, it can also be found under “Emploi et Solidarité sociale, Centre local d’emploi.”

During Pregnancy 17 Upon the Birth of the Child

Rights and IMPORTANT Obligations If parents of the same sex or the opposite sex are not married to one Filiation another or in a civil union with one another, they must both sign the To have the rights and obligations of Declaration of Birth in order to the child vis-à-vis the parents* (when establish their individual filiation he or she reaches adulthood) legally with the child. If one parent fails to confirmed, filiation must be firmly sign the document, that person’s established, that is, the identity of the paternity or maternity will not be child's father and mother or, as the entered on the child’s Act of Birth. case may be, the child's mothers or fathers must be clearly determined. A parent who anticipates being absent during the period when the Parents usually establish filiation by birth must be registered with the filling out and signing the document Directeur de l’état civil can draw up entitled Declaration of Birth, on which a power of attorney authorizing their names and that of their newborn another person to act for him or child are entered. All the family names her. If this is not done and the and usual given names of the mother deadline has passed, that parent and the father must be entered and may file a tardy declaration of spelled correctly. It is important to filiation, circumstances permitting, complete the declaration carefully, or apply to the court to have his providing all the information reques- paternity or her maternity reco- ted. The original will become part of gnized. The Directeur de l’état civil the civil status register. An officer may provides various documents with contact you at the time the declaration instructions for the tardy decla- is entered in the register. ration of filiation and explanations about the publication of the notice, If the parents* are married or are in a as well as the form that must be civil union, the date of marriage or of filled out and the related fees. the civil union must be indicated, in which case only one parent needs to CIVIL UNION AND RULES OF FILIATION complete and sign the declaration before a witness. The Act instituting civil unions and establishing new rules of *Unless otherwise indicated, the word “parents” means couples of the same sex or of opposite sex, in filiation, which came into force on order to take into consideration the changes June 24, 2002, allows people of the introduced by the Act instituting civil unions and establishing new rules of filiation (S.Q. 2002, c. 6). same sex or the opposite sex to make a public commitment to live together as a couple and to uphold the rights and obligations stem- ming from such status.

18 Becoming a parent That legislation also defines new Choosing a Family Name rules of filiation with regard to and Given Name assisted procreation, and clarifies A child’s parents may choose for him or the rules of adoption by same-sex her one or more given names, and a parents. For example, if one of the single or composite family name con- two same-sex spouses gives birth to sisting of no more than two parts of a child that the couple plans to the parents’ family names. raise, the other spouse can declare her filiation with the child and it It is recommended that the child have will be entered in the Act of Birth no more than four given names and for the mother and the spouse. that the usual given name (the name to be used regularly) be SAME-SEX MARRIAGES placed first. The Québec Court of Appeal ruled In the case of a composite given name, to authorize same-sex marriages on the two parts must be joined by a March 19, 2004. hyphen.

Obligations of Parents It is very important to remember that All births in Québec must be declared the given names attributed when the to the Directeur de l’état civil in order child is baptized or in any other reli- to be entered in the register of civil gious ceremony must correspond to status. those entered in the Québec civil status register, with no changes or additions. Whether they are married or in a civil union, and whether or not they are The given name of one of the parents living together, parents have the rights may never be used as the child’s family and duties inherent in the custody, name. It may, however, be one of his or supervision and upbringing of their her other given names. In addition, the child, and they must feed and look family name of one of the parents that after him or her. is not used for the child’s family name may be used as one of his or her given All Children Are Equal names. The law makes no distinction based on In regard to the child’s family name, the the type of union of the parents, parents can choose from among the whether the child is related to his or following options: her parents by blood or by adoption, or whether he or she was conceived 1. If both parents have family names naturally or by a medically-assisted that are not composites, such as reproductive technique. By law, all Gardiner for one parent and Patton children are born equal and are the for the other, the child may be given legal heirs of their parents. the following as a family name:

• Gardiner, the first parent’s family name • Patton, the second parent’s family name • Or a composite name made up of the two family names linked by a hyphen, Gardiner-Patton or Patton-Gardiner

Upon the Birth of the Child 19 2. If both parents have composite Additional Information family names, such as Talbot- When the family name given to the Gardiner for one parent and child is composed of two parts joined Smith-Patton for the other, they by a hyphen, this is the name that will may, if they wish, give their child a become, along with his or her given single family name composed of name, the child's legal name. It will one of the parts of their family then have to be used as registered, names: with no change in the order of the parts. Furthermore, the parents may • Talbot only not use for their child the initial of the • Gardiner only family name of one parent along with • Smith only the family name of the other parent. • or Patton only. However, they may include the initial in However, if the parents wish to give the child’s given names. their child a composite name, a choice Since the baby’s name must appear on must be made, since the family name the Declaration of Birth, the parents of the child cannot have more than must make their choice as early as two parts: possible. • Talbot-Gardiner, one parent’s Since the Declaration of Birth, once family name completed and signed by the parents, • Smith-Patton, the other parent’s is an official document, no correction family name may be made to the basic information • Or a name made up of part of appearing on it 30 days after the one of the parent’s family name birth is recorded in the register. If, and part of the other parent’s after this deadline, the parents want to family name. Ten combinations add one or more given names or are possible: change the family name or the given Talbot-Smith, Talbot-Patton, names entered on the Declaration, they Gardiner-Smith, Gardiner-Patton, will have to go through the name Smith-Talbot, Patton-Talbot, change procedure, circumstances per- Smith-Gardiner, Patton-Gardiner, mitting, and pay the related costs. Gardiner-Talbot, or Patton-Smith The full name of our child will be A child whose maternal filiation or Family name: ______, paternal filiation alone has been established bears the family name, in Usual given names: whole or in part, of the parent whose ______, usual filiation with the child has been (name regularly used) established in the Act of Birth. ______, second

______, third

______, fourth

20 Becoming a parent since the language of the docu- Registration ment determines the language in All parents must declare the birth of which the certificate of birth is their child to the Directeur de l’état issued. The declarant or declarants civil, whether or not the birth is must fill out and sign the Declaration followed by baptism or any other of Birth in the presence of a witness, religious ceremony. To this end, they who must also sign the document. must fill out the document entitled A witness is a person 18 years or older Declaration of Birth, and this form and who attests to the signature of the the Attestation of Birth must be sent parents on the Declaration of Birth. The to the Directeur de l’état civil in the witness must indicate his or her identity 30 days following the birth. by filling in the appropriate sections (in block letters), and must then sign and Attestation of Birth date the form. The birth attendant (physician, nurse, midwife or any other person who It is very important that the spelling assists the mother during delivery) fills of the child’s family name and given out and signs the Attestation of Birth. names be correct and that the The attestation indicates the date, time whole declaration be reread before and place of birth, the sex of the child, adding the necessary signatures, in and the name and address of the order to ensure that the infor- mother. The hospital staff gives the mation is entirely in keeping with parents a copy of the Attestation of the parents' wishes. Birth as well as the Declaration of Birth, which is to be filled out. An error may not only cause delays in registration, but also lead to Declaration of Birth: serious problems for the child in proving his or her identity throug- The Child’s Act of Birth hout his or her life and, in some The parents must copy the information cases, to costly legal procedures. from the Attestation of Birth onto the Declaration of Birth and indicate the child’s given and family names, the type of union of the parents and the parents’ address. After receipt and registration by the Directeur de l’état civil, this document becomes the child’s Act of Birth, filed in the Québec civil status register. This is why the parents must fill out the Declaration of Birth clearly, being sure to print for legibility’s sake and not to cross anything out or make changes that may be confusing. If changes must be made to the declaration, the declarant or declarants should always enter his or her, or their initials beside each correction. This legal document may not and must not be altered with liquid paper. The declaration must be prepared in the desired language (English or French)

Upon the Birth of the Child 21 How to Complete the Declaration of Birth

BOX 1 Child’s surname, preferably with a hyphen, if a BOX 3 compound name. Date and time of birth.

BOX 2 BOX 4 Record the usual Indicate the given name on the sex of the child first line followed and whether the by the others, each birth was multiple separated by a (twins). comma, on the second line. BOX 22 IMPORTANT : BOX 5, 6, 7 Are the parents To be completed by married to each the hospital. other or in a civil union? BOX 8 TO 14 Biological mother’s BOX 28 identity according IMPORTANT: to her act of birth. Mother’s signature, especially if the BOX 15 TO 21 couple is not married or is in a Identification of civil union. second parent (father or mother) according to his or BOX 28 TO 33 her act of birth. To be completed without other BOX 23 formalities in order TO 26 AND 32 to obtain the To be completed if baby’s health the declarant is insurance card if neither the father the Régie de nor the mother l’assurance (adoption, foster maladie accepts care). his or her eligibility and to receive BOX 34 TO 38 child assistance payments from the The witness (a Régie des rentes friend, a nurse, or du Québec. anyone of full age) attests that the declaration was BOX 30 made in his or her IMPORTANT: presence. Father’s signature, especially if the BOX 39 TO 42 couple is not Reserved for the married or is in a use of the Directeur civil union, or the de l’état civil. mother’s spouse’s Please do not signature, as the write or attach case may be. anything here. When to Declare the Birth leave several days for mailing and It is recommended that the Declaration to send in the documents as soon as of Birth be filled out at the hospital and possible. given to the staff, who will see that it is Upon receipt of the documents, the sent, along with a green copy of the Directeur de l’état civil draws up the Attestation of Birth filled out by the Act of Birth on the basis of the birth attendant, to the Directeur de Attestation of Birth and the Declaration l’état civil. The parents keep only the of Birth, comparing these two docu- copy of the Declaration of Birth. ments to be sure of the identity of the If it is impossible to see to these for- newborn child. If either of the docu- malities at the hospital, the Declaration ments is incomplete, the information of Birth, along with the copy of the does not match or the documents are Attestation of Birth, can be sent to the illegible, the Directeur de l’état Directeur de l’état civil within 30 days civil must question the declarants of the birth of the child. Be sure to or the birth attendant before drawing up the Act. 22 Becoming a parent form

Declaration of Birth CIVIL STATUS The birth of a child birth The and your responsibility as parents! Registering your child: All parents must declare the birth of their child All parents must declare the birth This is done by to the Directeur de l’état civil. completing the You could take advantage of advantage could take You to do it! hospital stay your Please note 30 days This declaration must be sent within for prompt entry in the birth of the child’s register of civil status of Québec. available in hospitals. Once the Act of Birth is drawn up, it is It is preferable to apply for a full- entered in the Québec register of civil sized Birth Certificate for a minor status under a single registration num- child since it shows the names of ber. Subsequently, the parents receive a the parents. Note that there is no notice confirming the filing of the Act expiry date for a Birth Certificate, of Birth in the register. Concurrently, but that a more recent document the Directeur de l’état civil forwards to may be required at any time. the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec and to the Régie des rentes du You can submit the form to the Québec the information needed for the Directeur de l’état civil by mail or fax, newborn to be eligible for the various or by taking it to a service counter. plan. This is done confidentially. NOTE: The quality of faxed documents varies, and photocopies of identity Late Registration or Failure documents may be illegible. In such an to Register the Child in the event, we will be unable to process Civil Status Register your application and delays should be Delay in registering a birth in the expected. register of civil status or failure to do so may result in problems for the child. Contact the Directeur de l’état civil The Act of Birth establishes the child's IN QUÉBEC CITY identity, sex and filiation, in short, his Directeur de l’état civil or her legal existence. Without this Act, 2535 boulevard Laurier it will be difficult, if not impossible, for Québec City, QC G1V 5C5 the child to obtain certain documents Phone: 418 643-3900 (health insurance card, social insurance Fax: 418 646-3255 card, passport, etc.) or to prove IN MONTRÉAL entitlement to government programs Directeur de l’état civil or social benefits. 2050 rue De Bleury Montréal, QC H3A 2J5 In addition, the Directeur de l’état civil (Place-des-Arts Metro station) will conduct an analysis if there is a Phone: 514 864-3900 delay and $50 must be paid when the Fax: 514 864-4563 birth is declared after the prescribed Office hours 30-day deadline. If the birth is declared Monday to Friday, more than a year later, the fee is $100. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In other regions of Québec Obtaining Proof of Birth Phone: 1 800 567-3900 (toll free) Fax: 418 646-3255 (in Québec City) Many organizations ask for proof of [email protected] birth, i.e. a Birth Certificate. You can www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca obtain one by filling in the form entitled Request for Certificate or Copy of Act for Birth. It is available at Directeur de l’état civil counters in Québec City and Montréal, on the Directeur de l’état civil website (www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca*), and at CSSSs (CLSC), Caisses Desjardins, court houses, and Services Québec offices.

*The form can be filled out on screen, and then printed, signed, dated, and sent.

24 Becoming a parent • Soak the blotting paper Screening for completely with urine. It must Hereditary Metabolic be wet on both sides or the analyses cannot be carried out Diseases and the sample will have to be taken again Your Baby’s Urine Is Very Precious • Carefully follow the instructions Before a mother leaves the hospital for taking the sample with her baby, a blood sample is taken • Insert form in the return envelope from the baby’s heel in order to carry with the dry blotting paper out screening for genetic diseases. In addition, a kit containing a yellow The urine screening program is volun- information form and blotting paper is tary. By sending in their baby’s urine given to the mother so that she can sample, parents enable their child to be take a sample of her baby’s urine when screened early and to be given medical the child is 21 days old. treatment, if necessary, as quickly as possible. It is important to:

• Check or completely fill out the Which Hereditary information form by writing both Metabolic Diseases parents’ names, address(es), and Can Be Detected? telephone number(s), the child’s The metabolic diseases that can be birth date, and the hospital where detected are caused by proteins and the child was born their derivatives (amino and organic acids) that are poorly absorbed or • Fill out the bottom part of the improperly used by the body. Metabolic information form, indicating the diseases are categorized into two baby’s sex, type of feeding, types: approximate weight, urine sample date, and the name of the baby’s • Those that cause serious clinical doctor problems and require immediate therapeutic intervention • Collect urine using the absorbent pads in the kit given to the • Those that require follow-up and mother. It is important not to genetic counselling use commercial-type moist baby wipes to wipe the baby’s If a Urine Sample Is Not bottom before taking the st sample, as they can affect results. Taken on the 21 Day For the same reason, do not As the saying goes “Better late than apply cream, oil, or powder to never!” It is important for the parents the baby’s bottom to take a urine sample as soon as they realize they have forgotten.

Upon the Birth of the Child 25 Who Pays for These Eligibility for this benefit is reviewed Analyses? every year in July based on the data provided on the income tax return for The Réseau de médecine génétique du the previous year. Québec, which is affiliated with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, pays the costs of these National Child Benefit analyses. If you lose the kit or dirty Supplement (NCBS) the blotting paper, or if you would The National Child Benefit Supplement like more information, contact the (NCBS) is included in the payment of following service: the Canada Child Tax Benefit. The NCBS is the Canadian government's Programme provincial contribution to the National Child de dépistage urinaire Benefit Program (NCBP), a joint Centre hospitalier universitaire initiative of the federal, provincial and de Sherbrooke territorial governments. Hôpital Fleurimont Local 1403, Clinical Genetics Child Disability Benefit (CDB) 3001 12th Avenue Nord Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4 The CDB is a non-taxable supplement Phone: 819 564-5253 to the CCTB and can be as high as Fax: 819 564-5217 $2,300, per child. Only children with a severe and prolonged impairment, as stipulated in form T2201, Disability Tax Child Benefits Credit Certificate, are eligible for the CDB. Form T2201 must be completed Québec families may be eligible for and sent to the Canada Revenue various benefits, such as the Canada Agency to register a child if this has not Child Tax Benefit (CCTB), the National already been done. Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS), the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) for NEW – Universal Child Care children under 18 years of age, and the Benefit (UCCB) new Universal Child Care Benefit The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). (UCCB) is a new benefit paid monthly To receive these benefits, both the to eligible families in order to help eligible individual and his or her spouse them meet their childcare needs for must file income tax returns every year, children under six years of age. With even if they have no income to declare. the UCCB, families can receive $100 per month for each child under six years of age. The UCCB is paid Canada Child Tax Benefit separately from the Canada Child Tax The federal government’s Canada Benefit (CCTB) and is taxable. The Child Tax Benefit varies according to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) ads family income, the number and age of payments on behalf of Human the children, the family situation and Resources and Social Development the deduction for daycare expenses. Canada. For more information, visit the CRA’s website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ The non-taxable benefit is paid every uccb/ month. It is revised if any change occurs in the family situation, such as the birth or death of a child, a change in beneficiary, a separation or divorce.

26 Becoming a parent Procedure Child Assistance To apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the Québec child assis- The Régie des rentes du Québec tance, one step is all it takes: Fill out administers the Child Assistance Pay- the Application for Canada Child ment, which provides financial assis- Tax Benefit form and send it at your tance to all families with dependent earliest convenience to the address children under 18 years of age. indicated on the envelope. If you already receive the CCTB, simply file The Child Assistance Payment has two a new application to receive the components: child assistance payments UCCB. Your Canada Child Tax and the supplement for handicapped Benefit may be paid by direct children. deposit; simply fill out part 6 of the form. Who is eligible? You are eligible for child assistance The form is usually included with the payments if… information documents given to the mother during her stay in hospital. It • You are responsible for the care and can also be obtained from the Canada education of a dependent child Revenue Agency at one of the under 18 years of age numbers below or by downloading it at: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/forms/ • You reside in Québec

• To order forms and publications: • You or your spouse are one of the 1 800 959-3376 following:

• Teletypewriter: see page 50 - A Canadian citizen

• Service for the visually-impaired: - A permanent resident 1 800 267-1267 - A temporary resident living in For more information on child benefits, Canada for at least 18 months please contact the CRA’s information centre at 1 800 387-1194 or visit its - A protected person (refugee) website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/benefits/ How to receive the benefits An Easier Way!

To receive child assistance payments, the parent of a child born in Québec after December 31, 2006 need not submit an application. The Directeur de l’état civil will automatically notify the Régie of the child’s birth.

However, with an adoption, you should apply to the Régie. To do so, use the online service or download the “Child Assistance Payment” form on the Régie’s website at www.rrq.gouv.qc.ca.

Upon the Birth of the Child 27 How are benefits calculated? It is paid to the person who receives child assistance payments and with the The Régie calculates child assistance same frequency (quarterly or monthly). benefits every year based on the following four criteria: To apply for the Supplement for Handicapped Children, you must • Conjugal status (with complete the Régie des rentes or without spouse) du Québec’s Application for the Supplement for Handicapped Children. • The number of dependent It is available on the Régie’s website children under 18 years of and at Régie client services centres, age living with the recipient Services Québec, Office des personnes handicapées du Québec, CSSSs (CLSC), • Household income and that and specialized children’s hospitals. The of the spouse, as necessary application includes a section that must • Whether or not custody is shared be completed by the healthcare professional who knows the child’s To continue receiving child assistance health condition best. payments, both spouses must file a Québec income tax return form every Child assistance payments year, even if one or both spouses have Child assistance payments are made no income to declare. Recent immi- in advance, on the first working day grants who have not filed a Québec of each quarter, that is, in January, income tax return must provide a April, July and October. For example, federal Statement of Income or Notice a payment made on the first working of Assessment. day of January covers the months of January, February, and March. You can use the Calcul@ide tool on However, it is possible to apply online the Régie’s website to calculate the or by phone to receive monthly amount you may receive based on your payments. Benefits may be paid by family situation. direct deposit or check. You can sign up for direct deposit on the Régie’s Supplement for website. Handicapped Children The Supplement for Handicapped For more on child assistance payments: Children is paid to parents of a child with a physical or mental disability that Online - Online services: significantly limits him or her in his or www.rrq.gouv.qc.ca/enfants her daily activities for an expected By phone: period of at least one year. The Québec City region: 418 643-3381 supplement is paid until the child Montreal region: 514 864-3873 reaches 18 years of age or until his or Toll-free: 1 800 667-9625 her health improves and Régie des rentes du Québec no longer considers Teletype (TTY): see page 50 him or her handicapped. By mail: The supplement for handicapped Régie des rentes du Québec children is $165 per month. This P.O. Box 7777 amount is the same for everyone, Québec City, Qc G1K 7T4 regardless of the child’s handicap and household income. The supplement is indexed each year and is non-taxable. 28 Becoming a parent Sickness Benefits Assistance Granted Sickness benefits are granted to people to Parents of Triplets who stop working due to illness, injury, or Quadruplets or quarantine. To receive these bene- fits, you must submit medical proof. The Ministère de la Santé et des Servi- Sickness benefits may be paid for a ces sociaux grants financial assistance maximum of 15 weeks. You must have to families in which the mother has accumulated 600 insurable working given birth to triplets or quadruplets. hours in the year prior to filing an This non-recurrent amount helps application (or since the start of the last parents cope with the sudden and benefit period). The number of hours substantial increase in expenses. you must work in order to be entitled to sickness benefits may be higher if The Minister issues, in the mother’s you received benefits in the past and name, a cheque for $6,000 for live were informed in writing that you had triplets or $8,000 for live quadruplets produced a false return. when the children are discharged from the hospital. For more information on sickness benefits or to apply for sickness bene- The hospital is in charge of notifying fits, contact a Service Canada centre. the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and providing all The address is listed in the blue pages necessary information following the of the telephone book in the Govern- births. The parents have no special ment of Canada section under the steps to take and will receive their heading “Employment Insurance”, financial assistance approximately two “Human Resources Development months later. In the event of problems, Canada”, or under the “Keyword the parents must check with the Headings” section in the new blue hospital to find out if their application pages. was duly sent to the department. In all cases, the hospital must forward the You can also contact Service Canada application to the following address: at 1 800 808-6352 (everywhere in Québec) or visit Service Canada’s Ministère de la Santé website at www.servicecanada.gc.ca. et des Services sociaux Click “Employment Insurance” to access Direction générale de la its online services and forms. coordination, du financement, de l’équipement et des ressources informationnelles Direction des opérations budgétaires – réseau 1005 chemin Sainte-Foy, 2nd floor Québec City, QC G1S 4N4 or fax it to 418 266-5995

Upon the Birth of the Child 29 Note that it is not possible to receive the Breastfeeding breastfeeding benefit and support for Assistance the purchase of formula at the same time, except during the month when Women who are beneficiaries of the the feeding method changes. Infant employment assistance (social aid) formula may be purchased only in program and who give birth to a child drugstores. may, under certain conditions, receive a special breastfeeding benefit or As soon as the baby is born, the mother support for the purchase of formula for must get in touch with her case officer. their baby. The baby’s Birth Certificate must be submitted promptly in order to benefit Special Breastfeeding from this support. Benefit For additional information, contact your The Ministère de l’Emploi et de la local employment centre. Solidarité sociale provides a special breastfeeding benefit of $55 a month The address is listed in the blue pages to mothers who breastfeed their of the phone book in the Gouver- children, until the children reach the nement du Québec section under “Aide age of one. The mother must breast- financière”. In certain phone books, feed her baby throughout this period. it can also be found under “Emploi et Solidarité sociale, Centre local To be entitled to the benefit, the d’emploi”. mother must provide the local employment centre case officer with proof of the baby’s birth, along with Health Insurance a signed declaration indicating the anticipated breastfeeding period. A and Prescription second written declaration will be Drug Insurance required once the baby is six months old. Health Insurance Card Support for the Purchase of Infant Formula In order to receive a health insurance card, the child must be registered with A mother who does not breastfeed her the Régie de l’assurance maladie du baby and who wants to give the baby Québec (RAMQ). When the birth formula may obtain financial support occurs in Québec, it is sufficient to for the purchase of these preparations. register the newborn in the register of civil status to initiate the registration For the first nine months, the mother process at the RAMQ. may obtain regular, soy-based or lactose-free formula without providing It is the responsibility of one of the a medical certificate. However, this parents to fill out, as carefully as support can be extended over a period possible, and sign the Declaration of of 12 months if the child has an Birth provided by the hospital where intolerance to cow’s milk or lactose, or the child is born or by the midwife. has other specific problems and if the Parents have no further forms to preparations are prescribed by a complete. physician.

30 Becoming a parent The hospital staff or one of the parents will send the duly completed document Child Safety to the Directeur de l’état civil within 30 days of the child’s birth. Subse- Seats for Newborns quently, the Directeur de l’état civil will From your child’s very first ride in an notify the parents of the registration of automobile, the law requires that you their child in the civil status register. fasten him or her in a newborn seat. The Directeur de l’état civil will send This specially designed seat custom fits the information to the RAMQ confi- the child’s body and keeps the baby in dentially. After checking the eligibility a semi-reclining position, while suppor- of the child, the RAMQ will issue the ting the baby’s lower back. health insurance card. Only one card will be issued for the child. Instructions for installation:

Children under one year of age who • Always install the newborn seat have not yet received their health with the child’s back facing traffic. insurance card are still entitled to The child must be looking toward healthcare services covered by the plan. the rear of the vehicle, so that the However, the physician may ask to see neck and rib cage have a better a parent’s health card. chance to absorb shocks. (This rear-facing position should For a birth outside Québec, contact the be used until the child is able to RAMQ to register the newborn child: stand unassisted.)

• Québec City Area: • Place the baby in the newborn 418 646-4636 seat, preferably alongside another • Montréal Area: 514 864-3411 passenger, at the centre of the • Elsewhere in Québec: back seat. If you are alone with 1 800 561-9749 your baby and the vehicle is not Teletypewriter: see page 50 airbag-equipped on the passenger side, you may put the newborn Prescription Drug Insurance seat next to you on the front seat. However, it is preferable to put it Once eligibility for health insurance is in the back seat. confirmed, the parents must ensure their newborn is covered by a prescrip- • Ensure that the seat has been set tion drug insurance plan. properly in a horizontal position, so that the child’s back and head Parents registered with a group are well-supported. insurance plan comprising drug cove- rage are obliged to include their • Using the seatbelt or the universal newborn in their plan. anchoring device called ISOFIX or LATCH, install the newborn seat However, if the parents are covered by on the seat of the vehicle. As of the public prescription drug insurance September 2002, all vehicles are plan administered by the Régie de fitted with the system, which l'assurance maladie du Québec, the securely fastens the newborn seat newborn will be automatically regis- using a special belt. tered under this plan. • Place the belts over the newborn’s shoulders and ensure the buckle is well-fastened.

Upon the Birth of the Child 31 • Tighten the harness belts enough Health Canada Consumer so that no more than one finger Product Safety Program can be inserted between them 1001 rue Saint-Laurent Ouest and the child’s body. Longueuil, QC J4K 1C7 Telephone: 450 646-1353 or • Push up the fastener connecting 1 800 561-3350 the two belts until it is level with Montreal and Laval: 514 283-5488 the child’s armpits in order to prevent the child from being 901 rue du Cap Diamant, Suite 266-1 ejected from the seat in case Québec City, QC G1K 4K1 of impact. Phone: 418 648-4327

For more information, contact the Centre antipoison police services or the CSSS (CLSC) in du Québec your neighbourhood, CAA-Québec or the Société de l’assurance automobile The Centre antipoison du Québec is a du Québec at one of the following 24-hour emergency telephone service numbers: for victims of acute poisoning. In case of poisoning, phone the Centre • Québec City Area: antipoison du Québec immediately 418 643-7620 at 1 800 463-5060. • Montréal Area: 514 873-7620 • Elsewhere in Québec: • The nurse on duty will ask about 1 800 361-7620 the condition of the victim and • Teletypewriter: see page 50 the circumstances of the incident. • Website: www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca You will also be asked questions about the substance ingested.

Consumer • Depending on the situation, the Product Safety staff of the Centre antipoison will Health Canada’s Consumer Product suggest a home treatment or will Safety Bureau establishes and enforces refer you to the nearest hospital. safety standards for consumer goods. Under the Hazardous Products Act, Centre antipoison du Québec its general role is to regulate toxic, 1270 chemin Sainte-Foy chemical, flammable, explosive, corro- 4th floor sive, infectious, combustive, or reactive Québec City, QC G1S 2M4 products that pose or may pose a health Phone or public safety danger. It also regulates Emergency: 1 800 463-5060 products intended for domestic or Administration: 418 654-2731 personal use, for gardening, for sport or other recreational activities, and for children (i.e., toys and childcare items) that pose or may pose a health or public safety danger because of their design, construction, or content. The Consumer Product Safety Bureau also enforces the Cosmetics Program under the Food and Drugs Act to minimize the risks associated with using cosmetic products sold in Canada.

32 Becoming a parent Educational Services Making an Informed Choice Before choosing a childcare service, and Daycare Services you must identify your needs and those of your child. What are your prefe- Educational Childcare rences? Would you prefer a family or Services group environment? Your educational Québec has an educational childcare values will influence your choice of service network with nearly 200,000, childcare service. It is also important to seven-dollar-a-day reduced contribu- meet the caregivers in person and visit tion places located in early childhood the premises. centres, daycare facilities, and home daycare services. These service provi- Furthermore, it is a good idea to verify ders hold a permit issued by the Minis- whether reduced-contribution places tre de la Famille, des Aînés et de la are available at the childcare facility you Condition féminine. choose.

These childcare services are designed For more information, contact the for children from birth up to the start Ministère de la Famille, des Aînés et de of kindergarten. They are also available la Condition féminine (MFACF). You to children in kindergarten or primary can also consult the Childcare Esta- school, subject to certain conditions. blishment Locator on MFACF’s website at www.mfacf.gouv.qc.ca. This tool In addition, free continuous educa- will help you locate the childcare tional childcare places, up to a maxi- facilities nearest your home or work. mum of two-and-a-half days or five half-days per week, are available to For more information, contact the children under five years of age whose Ministère de la Famille, des Aînés et de parents receive employment insurance. la Condition féminine:

Childcare providers follow an edu- 600 rue Fullum cational program designed to foster Montréal, QC H2K 4S7 harmonious overall development of the or child and promote optimum emotional, 425 rue Saint-Amable physical and motor, social and moral, Québec City, QC G1R 4Z1 and cognitive and language skills. Phone: In order to provide childcare services to Québec City Area: seven children or more, providers must 418 643-4721 hold an early childhood centre or Elsewhere in Québec: daycare permit. Caregivers who look 1 888 643-4721 after seven to nine children in a private E-mail: [email protected] residence for remuneration must be Website: recognized as a home childcare pro- www.mfacf.gouv.qc.ca vider by a home childcare coordinating office and be assisted by another person.

Upon the Birth of the Child 33 For more information, go to the Advance Payment of nearest Revenu Québec office or the Refundable consult Revenu Québec’s website at Childcare Tax Credit www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca. The childcare expenses parents incur can be partially refunded through the Passport childcare tax credit. To receive this tax credit, you must file an income tax Travelling with a Child return. Certain expenses do not qualify, Since December 2001, children have such as $7 a day subsidized childcare at needed their own passports to travel daycare facilities or schools. abroad. One of the parents must com- plete the form entitled Passport Appli- Parents may receive their estimated cation for Canadians Under 16 Years of childcare tax credit in advance under Age, but both parents must give their certain conditions from Revenu approval and sign the form. In cases of Québec, in the form of a cheque or separation or divorce, only the parent direct deposit. Payments are quarterly with legal custody of the child may and made on about the 15th of apply for a passport for the child. January, April, July, and October. The cost of a passport for a child under To be entitled to advance payments, 3 years of age is $22 and the docu- you must ment is valid for a maximum of three years. For children 3 to 16 inclusively, • Be the biological or adoptive a passport costs $37 and is valid for a parent (father or mother), either maximum of five years. legally or in fact, of the child with whom you reside at the time of A word (or rather several words) of the request, or be the spouse of advice though: carefully read the this parent application form instructions and do not wait until you just are about to • Comply with the tax credit depart before applying, because pro- eligibility requirements cessing a passport application takes • Have confirmation from the 10 working days if you submit your daycare worker regarding the rate application at a regional office and and number of days of care 20 working days if you mail your provided during the year application.

• Reside in Québec at the time of Prior to December 2001, parents could the application ask for their children’s names to be added to one of their passports, but • Expect to be eligible for a daycare this is no longer the case. However, tax credit of over $1,000. This children who are already listed on one condition does not apply if in the of their parents’ passports may conti- same year you are also entitled to nue to travel with that parent as long a work premium of over $500 (the as the passport remains in effect. work premium is another family assistance measure).

34 Becoming a parent Procedure Family Status Annual Income Forms for children under 16 are avai- Single person $14,844.00 lable at the five regional passport Couple without children $22,782.80 offices (Montréal, Laval, Saint-Laurent, Single-parent family $31,680.00 Québec, and Jonquière) and at Canada Couple with at least Post outlets. one child $43,094.00

For more information, call the Passport The following are the maximum work Office at the following number: premium amounts: Work Premium • From anywhere in Québec: Family Status Yearly Maximum 1 800 567-6868 Single person $512.40 Couple without children $789.88 Single-parent family $2,196.00 Work Premium Couple with at least one child $2,821.00 The work premium is a new measure that replaced the Parental Wage Starting at a certain income threshold, Assistance (PWA) program in 2005. premiums progressively decrease until The work premium is a refundable tax they reach zero. credit that may be requested on income tax returns for the 2005 tax You may choose to have Revenue year. It is determined based on the Québec pay half of your work premium income and personal and family status in advance rather than wait until you of the worker. Under certain condi- file your income tax return. To receive tions, Revenu Québec may pay the advance payment of your premium, work premium in advance. you must apply to Revenu Québec and meet certain conditions. At the time of To be eligible, you must application, you must

• Reside in Québec on • Reside in Québec December 31 of this year • Be either a Canadian citizen, • Be a Canadian citizen, aboriginal, a status Indian, a permanent permanent resident, or a person resident, or a person who has recognized by Canada as a been granted asylum in Canada refugee • Be the father or mother of a • Have a yearly employment income dependent child of over $2,400 (for a single person or single-parent family) • Have a job or over $3,600 (for a couple with • Expect to be eligible for an annual or without children) work premium of over $500 • Have an annual family income under those listed in the following chart:

Upon the Birth of the Child 35 Advance payments are quarterly and The shelter allowance takes the are made in equal installments on following factors into account: about the 15th of January, April, July, and October. • The number of persons in the household For more information, go to the Revenu Québec office in your area or • Total household income consult Revenu Québec’s website at www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca. • The monthly rent For more information or to obtain an application form, contact the Revenu Shelter Allowance Québec office in your area. Program The telephone numbers are listed Low-income families with at least one in the blue pages of the phone dependent child who devote a large book in the Gouvernement du Québec part of their income to housing may, section, under the heading “Revenu – under certain conditions, be entitled to Allocation-logement”, or under the the shelter allowance. Financial assis- “Keyword Heading”, if any, in the new tance can be as much as $80 a month blue pages under “Logement – Revenu and is available to renters, owners, Québec – Allocation-logement”. roomers, and households that share housing.

36 Becoming a parent For additional information on the “Mon arbre à moi” campaign, contact: Campaign Ministère des Ressources naturelles In the “Mon arbre à moi” campaign of et de la Faune the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, any child born in the Direction des communications year in progress can receive a small Service aux citoyens seedling tree that will grow along with 880 chemin Sainte-Foy him or her. Each seedling given to a Québec City, QC G1S 4X4 child is accompanied by a growth chart and a souvenir certificate to be kept in Telephone: 418 627-8600 or the child's scrapbook. Seedlings are 1 866 248-6936 distributed every year in May, in the Fax: 418 644-6513 context of Tree and Forest Month. [email protected] The seedlings given by the department www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/mon-arbre are only about 30 cm to 45 cm high. However, since they are tree species, they will grow a lot. At maturity, i.e., in 75 to 100 years, most of the trees will be 20 m to 30 m tall.

To receive a seedling for their child, parents must apply to the department by completing and returning the “Mon arbre à moi” reply card provided by the health care institution or the birthing centre at the time that the child was born. The parents will be notified by mail just prior to May 2007 of the procedure to follow to receive the seedling. Please note that the reply card should reach the department no later than April 15.

Upon the Birth of the Child 37 Adoption

For a growing number of people, Québec youth centres are responsible adoption is the answer to having for carrying out the adoption proce- children in the family. International dures for a child domiciled in Québec. adoption has contributed greatly to this The first step in the adoption process is phenomenon and there has been an a request by the parents in writing or increase in recent years in the adoption by phone to the youth centre in their of children domiciled in Québec. This area. That pre-registration is followed section of the guide briefly discusses by an evening information session the main steps to take in the process of during which the future parents can adopting a child in or outside Québec. receive answers to their questions. The registration procedure can then offi- cially begin. People interested in pur- Steps in Adopting suing the adoption process must undergo a psychosocial assessment at a Child Domiciled that time. in Québec Once those steps have been com- Adoption has changed in Québec over pleted, two types of adoption are the last few years. The number of possible: regular adoption and the adoptions has increased and more and Foster-to-Adopt Program. more children are being placed in order to have a permanent family. The age of Regular Adoption the children is generally from birth to Some biological parents give the three years, but they may be older and Director of Youth Protection their are, in some cases, siblings. consent to the adoption of their child. After the expiry of a 30-day time period Although for the most part native-born during which the consent can be Quebecers, the children may also be withdrawn, the Youth Division issues a of different ethnic origins. Some are placement order that grants the entrusted to families by their parents, adopter the exercise of parental who consent to the adoption. But most authority. That order is followed by an often they are under the protection of adoption judgment. the Director of Youth Protection, who must apply to the Youth Division of the Note that regular adoption has become Court of Québec for a judgment of very rare in Québec and requires a eligibility for adoption. waiting period of several years for adopting parents. They are often from families that cannot provide everything that a child needs to develop harmoniously. The Foster-to-Adopt Program biological parents were unable to The Foster-to-Adopt program was set improve the situation that led to the up in 1988. Its objective is to enable decision to remove the child from their children at high risk of being aban- environment. Most of the children are doned to be placed as soon as possible oriented toward adoption as part of in a stable family that is prepared to the Foster-to-Adopt Program. provide foster care with a view to adoption. The stability thereby ensured encourages the child’s development in terms of security, as well as confidence 38 Becoming a parent and self-esteem. The biological parents of children in the best interests of the placed under the Foster-to-Adopt children and in keeping with Program are grappling with personal their fundamental rights problems that prevent them from assuming responsibility for the care, • Assist and advise the people and maintenance and upbringing of their families that plan to adopt a child children. domiciled outside Québec, and ensure the adoption proceeds in People who registered for the Foster- accordance with all regulations to-Adopt Program want to adopt the child entrusted to them where possible, • Provide administrative follow-up but they agree to take the child in of the Convention on Protection initially as a foster family. Their project of Children and Co-operation in must first undergo a psychosocial Respect of Intercountry Adoption assessment. Once their project is (the Hague Convention) accepted, they are available to be matched with a child whose needs • Recommend to the Ministère de la correspond to the conclusions of the Santé et des Services sociaux the assessment. Following the assessment, certification of international the waiting period before they can take adoption organizations in a child 0 to 2 years of age varies • Advise and support certified from several weeks to several months. organizations and monitor their The waiting period is shorter for activities as prescribed by law parents who want to take in a child who is 2 years of age or older and has • See that the legislation is applied special characteristics, in terms of and that Québec’s policy ethnic origin or state of health, for directions and ethical rules for example. international adoption are respected To find out more about the adoption of a child domiciled in Québec, contact • Ensure that adoption-related the youth centre in your area. requirements are met in each case

The address is in the white pages of • Advise the authorities of the the telephone book, under “Centre Ministère de la Santé et des jeunesse”. Services sociaux regarding international adoption

International • Establish, with the competent authorities of foreign countries, Adoption working relations and agreements Under the Youth Protection Act, the on international adoption that are Ministère de la Santé et des Services in keeping with the countries’ sociaux, through the Secrétariat à legislation and culture l'adoption internationale (SAI), A number of Québec laws set out the oversees the adoption of children conditions that must be met by domiciled outside Québec. More Quebecers who wish to adopt a child specifically, SAI has the following domiciled outside Québec. Think of responsibilities: Québec adoption law as a funnel: the • Coordinate international Civil Code of Québec and the Code of adoption activities in Québec Civil Procedure establish the ground

Adoption 39 rules. The Youth Protection Act then Under this order, a person may also be clarifies these rules. Next come specific authorized to adopt a child residing in orders, the Convention on the a Canadian province or territory and Protection of Children and Coopera- who has been entrusted to a compe- tion in Respect of Intercountry Adop- tent public child protection or adoption tion, and the Act to implement the authority in this province or territory. Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect The order also describes specific cases of Intercountry Adoption and to amend where the Minister can assist adoptive various legislative provisions in relation parents with adoption procedures. to adoption, all of which set out even more specific rules for certain types of The differences between adoptions adoptions. undertaken with and without a certi- fied body involve the opening of the In Québec, adoption confers a filiation adoption record, as adoptions initiated on adoptees that replaces their filiation without a certified body are subject to of origin. Adoptees cease to belong to very rigorous terms and conditions. their family of origin. Adoption also engenders the same rights and International Adoption obligations as filiation by blood. The Procedures Carried rules governing child consent and Out with the Assistance adoptability are those of the country of of a Québec-Certified origin. Organization for a Child The Civil Code of Québec requires that Domiciled Outside Québec adoption procedures be carried out by The mission of a certified organization a certified organization. Exceptions to is to defend children’s rights, promote this general rule can be made if the their interests, and improve their living criteria and conditions in the Order conditions in accordance with the respecting the adoption without a principles to which Québec and the certified body of a child domiciled international community adhere. It is outside Québec by a person domiciled responsible for assisting, supporting, in Québec are met. People may be and advising adoptive parents who use authorized to initiate adoption proce- its services. It serves as an intermediary dures without a certified body in the for the adopter by taking certain steps following cases: in his or her stead. In Québec, only certified organizations can act as The adoptive parent is related to the international adoption intermediaries. child under the relationship set forth in the order. In practical terms, this means that the people in charge of the organization The adoptive parent is a national of the must establish and maintain, in the child's state of origin, and the condi- country for which the organization is tions of the order have been met. certified, good working relations with the adoption authorities and people In keeping with the order, owing to involved. In many cases, certified exceptional circumstances and for organizations contribute financially to humanitarian considerations, adoption the country of origin in order to is the measure most likely to ensure the improve living conditions in orpha- child's rights are respected. nages and support projects of benefit to the entire community.

40 Becoming a parent The following table summarizes the steps in the international adoption process. The steps may differ slightly depending on the country and whether the Hague Convention is in force in the child’s country of origin. The differences mainly involve the authorizations required during the process and the steps to follow after the child’s arrival in Québec. Summary of steps in an Request for information international adoption carried out A person wishing to adopt a child with the assistance of a Québec- domiciled outside Québec can request certified organization information from the Secrétariat à l'adoption internationale (SAI), which Requesting information provides general information on inter- on international adoption national adoption and related terms Selecting a country and procedures. An information kit is and a certified organization available at www.adoption.gouv.qc.ca or by mail upon request. If adopters Signing a contract with have questions about one country in a certified organization particular, they can also contact that country’s certified international adop- Opening a file with the Secrétariat tion organizations directly. à l’adoption internationale Selection of a country and a Preparing the psychosocial assessment certified organization The adopter chooses the country where Preparing the adopter’s file he or she wishes to adopt a child, taking care to meet the requirements Forwarding the adopter’s file of the country of adoption. There are to the child’s country of origin three legal requirements in Québec: the adopter must be of legal age, at least Opening a sponsorship file 18 years older than the adopted child, (immigration) at Citizenship and domiciled in Québec. and Immigration Canada (CIC) The adopter consults the certified Waiting period organization or organizations working in the country and selects the one with Proposal of a child which he or she wishes to work. Some SAI authorization (letter of no organizations hold information ses- objection) to proceed with adoption sions. Others also offer adoption prepa- ration consultation services. Procedures in child’s country of origin The choice of country as well as the child’s age category are some of the Arrival of child in Québec many points that must be considered by the adopter. These points will be Legal and administrative discussed at the psychosocial assessment. procedures in Québec

Child progress reports

Closing the adoption file

Adoption 41 Signing of a contract with a Protection in the adopter’s area of certified organization residence or by a social worker or psychologist in private practice. The A contract between the adopter and adopter may have to provide certain certified organization must be signed documents that may also be required before the organization can start work by the country of origin, such as a on behalf of the adopter. The contract medical certificate. must set out the services provided by the organization, the responsibilities of The psychosocial assessment results in the adopter and the organization, three types of recommendations: expected adoption costs, and contract termination and reimbursement terms. a) Acceptance of the adoption project The organization may not collect any money from the adopter before the b) Postponement of the project contract is signed. c) Rejection of the project

Opening of a file with the Before starting the psychosocial asses- Secrétariat à l’adoption sment, the evaluator will ask to see the internationale letter sent by SAI confirming an Using the form provided, the certified adoption file was opened. organization will inform SAI that the The evaluator sends SAI a signed adopter is initiating adoption procedures. original copy of the assessment. The adopter receives a letter from SAI Only if the recommendation is positive confirming that an adoption file for a can adoption procedures continue. child domiciled outside Québec has been opened in his or her name. If the CLH is in force in the child’s country, as the central authority SAI This letter is mandatory. must provide a report on the adopter to the central authority of the country Preparation of the of adoption in keeping with Article 15 psychosocial assessment of the convention. The psychosocial The psychosocial assessment is requi- assessment along with an official letter red by law and is one of the key issued by SAI serves this purpose. elements in the adopter’s file. It is essential in enabling the competent Preparation of adopter’s authorities in Québec and the country file and forwarding to of origin to ensure that the adopter is child’s country of origin able to meet the physical, mental, and social needs of the child in his or her With the assistance of the certified best interests. The adoption must organization, the adopter assembles provide the child an environment his or her adoption file, which contains conducive to the fulfillment of his or the documents required by the country her needs. of origin, particularly his or her birth certificate, marriage certificate, and Depending on the requirements of the medical certificate. The organization child’s country of origin and the directs the adopter toward the proper country where the adoption judgment resources, for the translation and is rendered, the psychosocial assessment authentication of the documents, for is performed by the Director of Youth example.

42 Becoming a parent Throughout the adoption process, SAI international events that can delay, and the certified organizations coope- hinder, or even end the adoption pro- rate in preparing the letters SAI must cess while the adopter is waiting for a issue. The adopter receives a copy of child to be proposed. the documents that are forwarded to third parties. Proposal of a child Depending on the child’s country of Forwarding of the adopter’s origin, the adopter is matched (or file to the child’s country of paired) with the child by the authorities origin that handle adoption in the country of The certified organization verifies that origin or by the certified organization. the adopter’s file is complete and The latter must abide by the order in forwards it to the child’s country of which the adopter’s name is entered on origin. It then follows up with the the waiting list and take into account country’s authorities and ensures things the psychosocial assessment’s recom- go smoothly by forwarding the mendations as well as the availability of documents required by Quebec or the adoptable children (age and sex). country’s authorities as soon as possible. The organization gives the proposal of a child to the adopter, who indicates his or her agreement in writing within Opening of a sponsorship file a certain period of time. The proposal (immigration) at Citizenship of a child may be accompanied by and Immigration Canada (CIC) other documents (medical information, The child is not granted Canadian psychosocial information, photos). citizenship before his or her arrival in Québec. He or she must be sponsored The organization forwards the by the adopter under the “family adopter’s decision to the authorities in class”. In this way, the adopter commits the country of origin. to meeting the child’s basic needs. If the organization receives a proposal The adopter first submits a child that differs significantly from the sponsorship application to CIC. This psychosocial assessment’s recom- can be done at the start of the adop- mendations, it examines the proposal tion process, even if the child’s name is in cooperation with SAI and follows up not yet known. This step serves only to with the assessor. open an adoption file and does not authorize the child to enter the coun- SAI authorization to proceed try. The CIC’s Case Processing Centre with adoption (letter of no forwards the child sponsorship appli- objection) cation to Québec’s Ministère de l’Immi- Depending on the child’s country of gration et des Communautés culturelles origin, foreign procedures to obtain the (MICC), which also opens a file, as well legal documents demonstrating the as to the Canadian embassy in the child’s adoptability and the validity of country of origin. required consents are undertaken or pursued after the proposal is accepted. Waiting period The certified organization must The waiting period varies by country of forward these documents to SAI. origin and the profile recommended in the psychosocial evaluation. Interna- SAI issues the letter of no objection tional adoption is also affected by after verifying the documents and

Adoption 43 the proposal’s compliance with the Administrative and legal formalities recommendations of the psychosocial vary depending on the child’s country assessment. This letter is sent to federal of origin. In all cases, the adopter must and Québec immigration authorities obtain a ruling that entrusts the child and confirms that, after examining all to him or her. This may be an adoption documents and procedures, SAI has no judgment handed down by an adminis- grounds to oppose the child’s entry trative or legal authority or a placement into Canada. order. The certified organization informs the adopter of the procedures If the THC is in force in the child’s to follow and steps to take. country of origin, SAI, as the central authority, also forwards an official Next, one of the steps in the letter to the country of origin’s central immigration process is completed with authority. This authorization is required the Canadian embassy’s assistance. so that a compliance certificate under In cooperation with the certified Article 23 of the convention can be organization, the adopter ensures the drafted. child’s mandatory medical exam was performed as well as produces the The adopter finalizes sponsorship immigration documents and obtains requirements with MICC before a child the child’s visa, subject to certain is proposed and the letter of no conditions. objection is sent. The adopter travels alone, with his or Upon receipt of SAI’s letter of no her partner, or in a group, depending objection, the adopter makes an on the child’s country of origin. Some appointment with the MICC office in organizations offer accompaniment their region to sign the undertaking and interpretation services on site. The form for the child. MICC forwards length of stay may vary. the necessary immigration documents (selection certificate, etc.) to the Generally, the adopter travels to the Canadian embassy in the country of country to pick up the child. In some origin, which issues the child’s visa after countries, a person designated by the he or she has passed the mandatory certified organization or the country of immigration medical exam and all origin escorts the child to Québec. conditions have been met. If the THC is in force in the child’s Procedures in child’s country of origin, the adopter must be country of origin sure to obtain the compliance certificate from the country’s central Once Québec immigration procedures authority because he or she will have have been completed and the autho- to present it to SAI upon arrival in rities in the country of origin have given Québec in order to finalize the their approval, the certified organiza- adoption. tion informs the adopter that he or she can go collect the child. The adopter Arrival of child in Québec must be sure to take in his or her hand luggage all the required adoption and The adopter must confirm the child’s immigration documents so that they date of arrival with the certified can be shown if necessary. organization, which will notify SAI. The CSSS in the adopter’s region will visit him or her within 14 days of the child’s arrival in Québec.

44 Becoming a parent A BABY IN MIND? Québec Parental Insurance Plan

Launched last year, the Québec Parental Insurance Plan has made it easier to balance work and family life. As a society, we can all be proud of the plan, as it provides parents with so many advantages:

more generous more flexible Increased benefits Choice of two options as to the length of parental leave

more for dad more accessible Benefits just for fathers For self-employed as well as salaried workers

To see if you are eligible or to apply for benefits, go to www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca or call 1 888 610-7727. Legal and administrative In some countries, authorities do not procedures Québec issue an adoption decree. Instead, they entrust the child to the adoptive parent Adoption procedures must continue in in view of an adoption that will be Québec for the adoption to be valid issued in Québec (example: the here. These procedures vary depending Philippines and Thailand). This is a two- on the child’s country of origin. There fold procedure: are three types of procedures possible in Québec. 1) the adoptive parent must appear before the Youth Division of the a) When the country of origin Court of Québec of the legal district issues the adoption decree where he resides to obtain a A foreign adoption decree must be placement order in Québec; recognized by a Québec court for it to 2) once the placement period has been have the same effect here. Accordingly, established for this order, the the adopter must submit a Motion for adoptive parent must once again recognition of a foreign adoption appear before the Court to obtain decree concerning the adoption of a an adoption decree issued in child domiciled outside Québec by a Québec. The Directeur de la protec- person domiciled in Québec. This tion de la jeunesse is party to these motion is presented to the Youth procedures, and the adoptive parent’s Division of the Court of Québec of the regional youth centre assists him or legal district where the adoptive parent her with these legal procedures. This resides. This is the step where the is the step where the adopter adoptive parent indicates the new indicates the new name he or she name he or she wishes to give the child. wishes to give the child. SAI prepares a letter for the adoptive SAI prepares a letter for the adoptive parent, as well as a certificate for the parent, as well as a certificate for the Court, which must be attached in Court, which must be attached in support of the Motion for recognition support of the Motion for recognition of a foreign adoption decree concer- of a foreign adoption decree concer- ning the adoption of a child domiciled ning the adoption of a child domiciled outside Québec by a person domiciled outside Québec by a person domiciled in Québec. in Québec. The Court decree will be sent to the The adoption decree will be sent to the Directeur de l’état civil by the court Directeur de l’état civil by the court clerk, and the adopter can request a clerk, and the adoptive parent can birth certificate for the child thirty request a birth certificate for the child (30) days later. thirty (30) days later. The adopter must send a copy of the The adopter must send a copy of decree to SAI and the certified the decree to SAI and the certified organization. organization. b) When the country of origin c) When the Hague Convention issues a child placement order is in force in the child’s country of origin

46 Becoming a parent Adoption decrees issued in accordance When recognition of the adoption with the procedure set forth in the decree is issued administratively by SAI, convention do not need to be legally SAI notifies the Directeur de l’état civil recognized to be valid in Québec. The of the adoption decree so that a birth adopter must present the compliance certificate consistent with the new certificate issued by the central filiation can be issued. The child’s new authority of the child’s country of origin name is indicated on a form that is to SAI, which will verify it. The adopter completed by the parents and sent to must also complete a form for the SAI at the same time as the compliance Directeur de l’état civil in order to certificate obtained in the state of origin. indicate the new name he or she wishes to give the child. If everything is Request for Canadian compliant, SAI will send the certificate citizenship and form to the Registrar. In order to obtain Canadian citizenship Because the Hague Convention is in for the child, the parent must submit a force in China and Québec, adoptions request to Citizenship and Immigration in these countries are now subject to its Canada (CIC). A citizenship certificate terms. Accordingly, the Act respecting is needed to obtain a passport and adoptions of children domiciled in the gives the child the right to vote when People’s Republic of China ceased to he or she reaches the age of majority. have effect on February 1, 2006, This procedure is completed at the end except with respect to adoptions of the adoption process in Québec, approved by the Court of Québec prior since the birth certificate issued by the to this date. Directeur de l’état civil must be Requesting a Québec birth certificate submitted. Obtaining Canadian citizen- for the child from the Directeur de ship for the child is a very important l’état civil. point for countries of origin. Some require a copy of the citizenship certificate. When the Québec adoption decree is issued or the foreign decree is Child progress reports recognized, the clerk of the Youth In all adoption cases regarding a child Division of the Court of Québec sends domiciled outside Québec, the adop- a copy of the decree or the registration tive parent must undertake to submit certificate to the Directeur de l’état civil progress reports on the development so that the child is automatically of the adopted child. The form, registered. A birth certificate attesting frequency, and number of reports and to the child’s new filiation can only be the length of this commitment vary issued after a thirty-day waiting period, considerably from country to country. following which the adoptive parent These reports are at the adoptive can get a copy of the new birth parent’s expense and can either be certificate by contacting the Registrar. prepared by a social worker, a psycho- logist appointed by a youth centre or in d) When the Hague Convention private practice, or the adoptive parent is in force in the child’s country of origin

Adoption 47 himself, depending on requirements in Adoption without the the country of origin. Some countries assistance of a certified require that these reports be submitted organization until the child reaches the age of All adoption projects to be carried out majority. This is an important conside- without the assistance of a certified ration when selecting a country. The organization must first be submitted to certified organization sends these the Secrétariat à l’adoption interna- reports and translated version thereof, tionale (SAI) and discussed with an if necessary, to the country of origin. international adoption advisor. Progress reports must also be submit- Secrétariat à l'adoption ted to the Court of Québec when the internationale Court must issue a placement order and an adoption decree. Where 201 boulevard Crémazie Est, applicable, reports used for the Court Suite 1.01 of Québec can also be used to meet Montréal, QC H2M 1L2 requirements in the country of origin. Phone: 514 873-5226 1 800 561-0246 Failure to produce a progress report Fax: 514 873-1709 can have serious repercussions, and [email protected] this decision does not just affect the www.adoption.gouv.qc.ca parent in breech of his or her commit- ment. Countries of origin monitor progress reports closely, and sanctions for failing to produce such reports include fully closing the country to adoptive parents of the host country in which the parents are in default.

Closing the adoption file SAI keeps all files pertaining to the adoption of children domiciled outside Québec. Certified organizations are legally obliged to hand over all files to SAI if they are no longer certified, or two years after the child’s arrival in Québec, or if the adoption process is abandoned. Under Québec law, files pertaining to a child’s adoption are confidential and the information con- tained therein can only be disclosed where permitted by law. Accordingly, when all adoption steps are finalized, SAI must close the adoption file. These files are archived and digitized, and may eventually be used to prepare a summary report when sociobiological or biological family search requests are made.

48 Becoming a parent Resource Material

We strongly recommend that you read the following brochures and leaflets. They are available from the departments and organizations that publish them. Many are also available from Services Québec.

• Shelter Allowance: We Can Help • Le programme éducatif des centres You Pay Your Rent, Société de la petite enfance, Ministère de d’habitation du Québec (leaflet) l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (leaflet) • The Work Premium, Revenu Québec (brochure) • The Québec Health Insurance Plan, Régie de l’assurance maladie du • Employment Insurance / Maternity, Québec (leaflet) parental and sickness benefits, Social Development Canada • Prescription drug insurance plan, (brochure) Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (leaflet) • Pour un bébé en bonne santé, trois prestations spéciales : grossesse, • Labour Standards in Québec, allaitement, soutien à l'achat de Commission des normes du travail préparations lactées, Ministère de du Québec (tabloid) l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (small brochure) • Safe Working Conditions for a Safe Maternity Experience, Commission • Birth: A Guide for New Parents, de la santé et de la sécurité du Directeur de l’état civil (leaflet) travail (leaflet) • Filiation, Ministère de la Justice du • A Child Seat Improperly Installed Québec (leaflet) Means Danger!, Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec • La politique familiale / Des réponses (leaflet) à vos questions, Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale • Your Canada Child Tax Benefit, (leaflet) Canada Revenue Agency (T4114-e, Rev. 06) (leaflet) • Québec Parental Insurance Plan, Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité Sociale (brochure)

Resource Material 49 Services for the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Who Have a Teletypewriter

The following numbers are for the exclusive use of the deaf or hard-of-hearing who have a teletypewriter.

Canada Revenue Agency Throughout Québec: 1 800 665-0354

Commission des normes du travail Throughout Québec: 514 864-3920, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Services Québec Montréal area: 514 873-4626 Elsewhere in Québec: 1 800 361-9596

Government of Canada Services Canada: 1 800 926-9105

Revenu Québec Montréal area: 514 873-4455 Elsewhere in Québec: 1 800 361-3795

Office des personnes handicapées du Québec Montréal area: 514 873-9880 Elsewhere in Québec: 1 800 567-1477

Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec Québec City area: 418 682-3939 Elsewhere in Québec: 1 800 361-3939

Régie des rentes du Québec Throughout Québec: 1 800 603-3540

Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec Montréal area: 514 954-7763 Elsewhere in Québec: 1 800 565-7763

50 Becoming a parent Are you looking for information on the programs and services of the Gouvernement du Québec?

Do you need publications and forms?

Contact Services Québec!

Whether you have questions about parental leave, financial aid for parents, your child’s declaration of birth, or any other point that involves the government, contact Services Québec. We will answer your questions.

To contact us Throughout Québec: 1 800 363-1363 (toll free) Elsewhere: 418 643-1344 Internet: www.gouv.qc.ca Québec Government National Portal on the Internet

For any information on the programs and services of the Québec government, simply visit the Québec government national portal at www.gouv.qc.ca You can also call the following number: From anywhere in Québec: 1 800 363-1363 (toll free) Elsewhere: 418 643-1344

Teletypewriter

The deaf or hard-of-hearing can reach Services Québec using a teletypewriter.

The following numbers are reserved solely for this use: Montréal area: 514 873-4626 Elsewhere in Québec: 1 800 361-9596 Notes Notes

54 Becoming a parent Notes

Notes 55 Notes

56 Becoming a parent Dear Accountant, Congratulations!

Creating and giving life is such a marvelous feeling!

Yes, you can be proud, and even more so by providing a reassuring solution to your boss in order to keep things running smoothly while you're away.

Whether you're vice-president - finance, controller or an accounting technician, Mallette will pro- vide your employer with a qualified replace- ment, allowing you to leave with peace of mind. And when you return, don’t worry – everything will be just fine.

Call us!

Chartered Accountants

Certification Taxation Financial Advisory Services Actuarial Services Trusteeship and Management

Our people make the difference

Luc Blanchet 418 653-4455, ext. 460 [email protected] www.mallette.ca DESJARDINS REGISTERED EDUCATION SAVINGS PLAN

This is not just a scribble

It’s a child’s future taking shape.

With the Desjardins Registered Education Savings Plan, you will benefit from: • The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) • Tax-free growth for your investments

The CESG supplements your contributions! • When you invest in a child’s RESP, you receive a grant of 20 cents per dollar invested, up to a maximum of $2,000 in contributions per year. • Your grant could be increased to 30 or 40 cents per dollar invested for the first $500 in contributions per year.

For further information on RESP eligibility requirements, please contact an advisor at your caisse. For a personalized calculation of post-secondary educational costs, log on to the Simulators section at www.desjardinsfunds.com

Une réalisation de : • Régie des rentes du Québec • Services Québec