GENEALOGICAL INDEXES AVAILABLE TO SASKATCHEWAN PEOPLE IN CENTENNIAL YEAR

Amendments to The Vital Statistics Act will make it easier for Saskatchewan people to research their heritage.

The Saskatchewan Government today introduced The Vital Statistics Amendment Act (No. 2), 2004. The act will create the authority for Saskatchewan Health to compile, publish and distribute genealogical indexes of births, marriages and deaths as a support to people researching their history. The year range for the indexes will be developed in the act regulations at a later date; in other jurisdictions the range is typically 95 to 120 years for births; 20 to 70 years for deaths; and 50 to 80 years for marriages.

"Saskatchewan people are proud of their heritage, and interest in genealogy is great in this province, and among Saskatchewan descendants across the world," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Next year is Saskatchewan's centennial year. Our government is pleased to provide this timely step to help people explore and celebrate the lives of ancestors who have built our province."

With The Vital Statistics Amendment Act (No. 2), 2004, Saskatchewan joins a majority of provinces that allow public access to birth, marriage and death registrations. The indexes will be published and available on the Saskatchewan Health website, beginning with the birth index in the fall of 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Pete Paczko Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083