Alberta government proposing changes to name change application

Jun 25, 2020 | 9:06 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The province has introduced new legislation aimed at protecting Albertans from convicted sex offenders.

Changes have been proposed to the Vital Statistics Act. One change would require anyone 18 years or older to submit to a criminal background check when applying to change their name.

Those convicted of designated sexual offences under the Criminal Code would be ineligible to complete a legal name change in Alberta. Designated offences include sexual exploitation, incest, aggravated sexual assault, child pornography, and others.

“Sexual crimes, especially against children, are truly heinous. Prohibiting these offenders from legally changing their names is yet another step we are taking to ensure the safety of Alberta families in our communities,” stated Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.

Under current existing rules, anyone who is applying for a legal name change in the province must be fingerprinted and submit an RCMP fingerprint confirmation letter with their application.

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“Despite this safeguard, convicted sex offenders have still been allowed to legally change their names, provided their applications met all legislated requirements,” the province said in a release.

“Survivors of sexual violence live with the effects of that trauma for the rest of their lives. We are making sure their offenders have to live under their own names,” said Minister of Service Alberta Nate Glubish.

According to the provincial government, about 4,000 Albertans complete a legal change of name each year. Under the existing rules, several requirements must be met.

These requirements include:

· The applicant must be a resident of Alberta

· The proposed name must meet requirements set out in the Vital Statistics Act

· Applicants 12 years and older must submit electronic fingerprint confirmation letters with their applications (fingerprints are sent directly to RCMP in Ottawa)

· The applicant must provide acceptable government-issued identification, plus proof of current legal name and their proposed new name

The Vital Statistics Act can be viewed via the provincial government’s website here.

by Justin Goulet