Newfoundland and Labrador is unveiling a new, more secure and durable birth certificate, which is now the new Canadian standard.

"The new birth certificate is one of the most high-tech and durable documents in the world," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services. "The new Newfoundland and Labrador birth certificate is state-of-the-art and has many features to help combat identity theft and fraud."

Newfoundland and Labrador joins the provinces of Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta in issuing this new format of birth certificate. As well, several other Canadian jurisdictions are planning to implement the new certificate during 2008.

The new certificate is made of high security polymer plastic and contains more than 20 security features. Some visible features include:

Led by the Vital Statistics Council for Canada, the new birth certificate was designed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, in consultation with experts in the field of forensic document security. The Canadian Bank Note Company is responsible for printing the paper currency of Canada. It is known worldwide for its quality and innovation in supplying secure identity systems to governments around the world.

"Birth certificates are foundation documents that confirm a person�s identity and the fact that a person was born in Canada," said Minister O�Brien. "It is paramount that these certificates are protected, especially during a time when identity theft and fraud are growing concerns. The high-tech security features built into this new birth certificate will help to protect people from those who try to profit from stealing personal information."

The new certificate is similar in format to a passport. Persons applying for birth certificates will be able to choose from two types of certificates � one with individual information only and one which includes parental information. Both certificates will be the same size and will replace the current long and short form of birth certificates.

The introduction of the new certificate will not invalidate existing birth certificates; however, birth certificates issued in future will be in the new format only. The fee to obtain a Newfoundland and Labrador birth certificate will not increase as a result of the new format and remains at $20.

People born in Newfoundland and Labrador can apply for a birth certificate at Vital Statistics or at any Government Service Centre. An application form is also available online which can be faxed or mailed along with the applicable fee to Vital Statistics. Information and forms are available on the Department of Government Services website at www.gs.gov.nl.ca .

In the interest of protecting personal privacy and security, people applying for birth certificates must meet entitlement criteria. They are also required to present acceptable identification, one piece of photo ID or two pieces of other ID, at least one of which contains their signature or address. A person who has written authorization to apply for or pick up someone else�s certificate is required to present their own ID.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca