Open Adoption Records Poll: 2007 Ontario Election

Welcome to COAR's 2007 Ontario Election Poll

2007-10-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to COAR's 2007 Ontario Election Poll. The question sent to candidates was:
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults? Yes / No / I'm not sure

Emails have been sent to as many of the candidates running for election as possible. Each response will be posted as it comes in and posts will be labeled with the riding name. To find out what candidates in your particular riding think just click on your riding in the list of labels on the right.

If you don't know what your riding is, see Elections Ontario's web site which will also let you know where to vote.

We hope this blog helps you on election day.

Dr. Michael Grand, Wendy Rowney, and Karen Lynn
Coordinating committee of COAR Ontario

Dan McCreary, Progressive Conservative Party, Brant

2007-10-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I am not sure that I could give a simple yes or no to your question as there are probably various circumstances on a case-by-case basis. However, I would be more than willing to meet with your organization to discuss your concerns after the election.

Will Murray, New Democratic Party, Ottawa Centre

2007-10-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

As you may know, it was NDP MPP, Marilyn Churley, a birth mother who reunited with her son in 1996, introduced her adoption disclosure reform bill, No. 14, in December 2003. It's modelled on her previous bills on opening sealed records.

The bill overhauls adoption disclosure laws to help both adoptees and birth parents gain access to more information. The changes also include protections to respect the rights of parents who don't want to be contacted by children they gave up for adoption.

I appreciate Ms. Churley's incredible efforts on this issue and look forward to working with her and organizations like yours, on the rights of adopted children.

Rob Alder, Progressive Conservative Party, London North Centre

2007-10-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

At this time, I don’t feel I have enough information about this subject to answer the question definitively and therefore would have to say “I’m not sure”.

Please feel free to keep us informed of your concerns. The PC party and I will constantly seek ways to make government work better for the people it serves.

Elaine Kennedy, Green Party, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

2007-10-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

No.
I believe that the birth mother has the right to remain anonymous if she chooses. I understand the need for further health information these days, but that should be found out through a third party, allowing the anonymity to be preserved.

Bob Senechal, Progressive Conservative Party, Guelph

2007-10-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Thank you for your email and for the opportunity to complete your survey. I have thought about your survey question for several days now and have ultimately decided that, at this point, I must answer "not sure". I can see both sides of the issue, but I have concluded that I need to gather more information and consult with colleagues before I can take a definitive stance on whether adopted and non-adopted adults should have the same access to family records.

As you are probably aware, this issue is not directly addressed in the PC Party Plan. I therefore suggest that you email John Tory directly on this matter. You can do so through the Ontario PC Party website at:

http://www.ontariopc.com/email_john.asp?SectionID=7.

June Davies, Green Party, Durham

2007-10-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure.

Comments:
Most importantly for me is the health background information necessary for anticipating potential health risks to which the adopted adult may be predisposed. I am not aware of the initial confidentiality agreement to which the birth parent(s) agreed. I am assuming that confidentiality can still be maintained to the degree necessary while pertinent health information is accessible.

I am interested in the other arguments for and against this issue.

Ted Chudleigh, Progressive Conservative Party, Halton

2007-10-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

My answer is NO. My concerns are that abuse issues and well as safety issues affect about 5% of adoptees and therefore they need special protection.

Eric DenOuden, Progressive Conservative Party, Prince Edward-Hastings

2007-10-05T11:26:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

We are unable to respond to this e-mail at this time.

Leanna Pendergast, Liberal Party, Kitchener-Conestoga

2007-10-05T11:24:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

The Liberal Party is committed to families. We believe that everyone should
have a fair opportunity to create a family and adoption is one option for
Ontarians. If elected, we will create an expert panel to examine all of the
complex issues associated with adoption. Once we have the information from
this panel we will develop a position and a plan to address these issues for
Ontario's families.

Jeff Leal, Liberal Party, Peterborough

2007-10-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Marija Minic, Green Party, York Centre

2007-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes, absolutely!

John Ford, Green Party, Ottawa South

2007-10-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I was adopted, so this issue is quite personal.

Information should be available only when both sides indicate they are willing to share information.

The element of privacy which existed by agreement, directly or by implication, should be preserved, and should not retroactively be revoked.

While there may be implication on issues such as an unavailable health history, I am willing to live with that.

Toby Barrett, Progressive Conservative Party, Haldimand-Norfolk

2007-10-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

The following release we put out in late 2005, sums up Mr. Barrett's stance on adoption disclosure.

For Immediate Release
Nov. 04, 2005

Adoption Disclosure Invades Privacy: Barrett
Queen’s Park – Natural mothers who were promised their privacy in adoption cases will now have to plead with a tribunal to have that privacy protected according to MPP Toby Barrett.

PC MPP’s joined Barrett this week as he voted a second time against Bill 183 – the Adoption Information Disclosure Act - in an effort to protect the privacy of natural mothers.

“Individuals who thought they were protected are now going to have their privacy violated” Barrett stated. “Other provinces in this country offer the right for birth parents to veto the disclosure of their identities. Why should Ontarians not have that right?”

The Adoption Information Disclosure Act, which passed with Liberal and NDP support, requires identification and personal information of birth parents, adoptive parents and adopted children to be accessible to all parties involved. Although other provinces have expanded their disclosure laws, Ontario is the only province to have the law apply retroactively without the individual’s option to veto this disclosure. According to the Act, Ontario adoptees or birth parents wishing to avoid disclosure will have to appear before a tribunal and argue that revealing the contents of their file would cause them physical harm or mental anguish.

Barrett supports greater disclosure of adoption information but believes the rights of the minority must be protected. Privacy commissioners from every province and the Federal Government hold the same position.

Bill 183 neglects to account for adoption cases in which full disclosure can be damaging, where a reunion is traumatic and unwanted.

“Adoption cases that have developed out of regrettable circumstances such as rape or child abuse, can be very delicate matters in which privacy should be respected and adhered to,” said Barrett. “It is truly unfortunate that the Liberal government does not see it that way.”

Gustavo Valdez, Family Coalition Party, Davenport

2007-10-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Tim Van Bodegom, Green Party, Sarnia-Lambton

2007-10-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure.

Tom Teahen, Liberal Party, Beaches-East York

2007-10-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

It was the McGuinty government that passed the Adoption Information Disclosure Act to make it easier for adult adoptees to get information about their own identity, family history, personal and medical histories.

There was a recent constitutional challenge which struck down the legislation. The government is now reviewing the court's decision in this case.

Until that review is completed, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Teresa Ceolin, Family Coalition Party, Etobicoke North

2007-10-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I know that at one point or another in an adopted child's life he/she will want to find out about their biological parents. However, it is not always known what is the best time to have this information disclosed. I will answer "I'm not sure" because it depends on at what age we describe someone as an adult. In short, I think that a 17 -18 year old (let's say male) may be too young or too emotional and may need a few more yearws of development to hear all the details of his biological parents. And so I believe that, if for some reasons adoptive parents have not disclosed the information about the biological parents to a child, it should remain undisclosed until the child (although legally an adult) is at least 21 years old.

Deb Matthews, Liberal Party, London North Centre

2007-10-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

As you may know, I voted in favour of our government’s Bill on this issue and I support the legislation as written.

Lloyd Helferty, Green Party, Thornhill

2007-10-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure

Comments: What are the specific rights that have been given to non-adopted adults with regard to identifying information about his or her origins?

David Brown, Progressive Conservative Party, Mississauga-Erindale

2007-10-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I do not know enough about this issue to offer an informed opinion and therefore I will not be answering your survey.

Should I be honoured to represent Mississauga-Erindale after October 10, I will gladly meet with you and discuss this matter.

John O'Toole, Progressive Conservative Party, Durham

2007-10-02T17:38:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Generally, I would answer yes. That being said, I do have concerns over rare cases when extenuating circumstances may favour not disclosing this information. There are also concerns over previous commitments of confidentiality that may have been given to parents when their children were adopted. These matters must also be considered in the light of the recent court decision regarding access to records under new adoption disclosure legislation.

Andrea Nemeth, New Democratic Party, Etobicoke-Lakeshore

2007-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes

Comments:

During her time in office, former NDP MPP for Beaches-East York Marilyn Churley worked tirelessly to pass legislation that would allow adult adoptees the right to their own identifying information and fought to bring Ontario up to date with other jurisdictions in Canada with respect to adoption disclosure. As a reunited adoptee myself, I am committed to advocating for the rights of adopted persons and their families.

Bernadette Manning, Green Party, Markham-Unionville

2007-10-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I would have to caution on the side of unsure to yes. I think every case would have to be looked at individually. It's far to a delicate situation to bring in standardized requirments for each case

Ted Arnott, Progressive Conservative Party, Wellington-Halton Hills

2007-10-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Thank you for sending your survey. Mr. Arnott is busy campaigning across his riding, but if you contact him after October 10th he would be happy to meet to discuss this issue at that time, should he be re-elected.

Colin Jones, Green Party, Kitchener-Conestoga

2007-10-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

You have posed a very difficult question that has no simple answer. I believe that any adult adoptee has the right to any medically pertinent information which can be collected from their birth parents. Regarding access to further information the rights of the birth parent must be taken into account. Many parents, I'm sure, placed their children up for adoption with the understanding that their identities would never be released and, given that, I would have trouble releasing this information as a matter of course. I believe that the solution to this issue is a national database which can be accessed by parents and children and allows them to alter their privacy settings. Essentially, the system would allow for the automatic transfer of pertinent medical records between concerned parties and the transfer of other personal data only when both parties agree to it. The phrasing of your question implies that you see access to this information as a rights issue, but I don't know that I agree with this assessment. I don’t see this as an equality issue. So far as I know the Charter doesn’t compel any parent to be truthful with a child regarding their origin. Families, for many reasons, often wish to hide their backgrounds from their children. While I don’t condone such a practice, I think it is a personal matter. While our hearts go out to the adopted children, I think our focus must remain on the privacy rights of both parties. One could similarly make the argument that a parent who gave their child up has a equal right to information concerning that child as does the adoptive parent, which I don’t think they do. I hope my position is clear.

Daniel Kidd, Family Coalition Party, Don Valley West

2007-10-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

If the parents desire to remain anonymous then that is their decision and should be kept so. Any important medical information should be available but in an anonymous manner. Giving up a child for adoption is not an easy decision and reopening the past is often a painful process, which should be avoided unless both parties agree. One individual should not be able to force another to compromise their privacy. We should work toward more open adoptions in the future, and encourage greater awareness of the benefits of open adoptions.

Catherine Fife, New Democratic Party, Kitchener-Waterloo

2007-10-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes, an adopted adult should have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults.

The NDP position on this issue was embodied by Marilyn Churley's Private Member's Bill, which became law and, as I'm sure you know, was subsequently struck down by the courts.

Michael Gravelle, Liberal Party, Thunder Bay-Superior North

2007-10-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

The simple answer is "yes."
Of course, the rights and wishes of birthparents to maintain non-contact absolutely must be observed, but I do believe that adopted individuals should have access to information about their familial history, particularly with respect to health related issues.

Bob Bailey, Progressive Conservative Party, Sarnia-Lambton

2007-10-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure.

David McGruer, Freedom Party, Ottawa-Orleans

2007-10-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

No. There can be no such thing as a right to encroach on the rights of another individual. If someone puts their child up for adoption and does not wish to be identified in the future then that is his/her individual right. Only with consent from both parties should identification be made. In a similar way, if a parent chooses to sever all contact with an adult child then it is his/his right to do so. Adults have a right to pursue their own path in life, but not to determine the path of anyone else, including their parents.

Charles Sousa, Liberal Party, Mississauga South

2007-10-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

In response to your question, we are curious as to what the current standard is in terms of origin knowledge. If there is some sort of disparity between these rights, Charles feels that all people should have the same rights regardless of the circumstances of their family situation and birth.

Anita Payne, Green Party, Perth-Wellington

2007-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I’m not sure.

I do believe that an adopted adult should have access to family medical records in case they have some problems that are hereditary.

However I also believe that the birth parents also have the right to privacy if they do not want to be contacted. Also the adopted child should have privacy if they do not want to be contacted.

Larry Verner, Green Party, Timmins-James Bay

2007-10-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes

Comments:
I was abopted when I was 2 months old in 1952 by my aunt Margaret and her husband Benjanin Verner. I was from a large family and abopted into a large family. My oldest sister was also adopted into my family, so I was raised with my sister. Benjamine and Margaret Verner were the finest people who ever lived. I owe my life to them. They had one child of their own, but raised 28 children (not all at the same time). They were honest with me and I knew, that I was adopted at a very early age. As a young boy I fantized as to who my real parents were (like in the movies, a Prince who was separated from his lover by death or some other misfortunate event) It was with some dismay that I found out that my real father was my crazy uncle Clifford. And then to find out that my mother was handicaped, sick, and died when I was two years old.

My point here is that all adopted children should know who there real parents are, even if those parents have unfortunate backgrounds. It gives the children a sence of history, of being grounded, knowing where they came from.

For example, one of my sisters got married when she was 24, that is when her abopted partents told here that she was abopted and has 10 brothers and sisters. This was a tramatic experience for her, however, it was with delight that she got to meet all of us, and most of us attended her wedding.

Abotped children should know who there biological parents are.

Larry Stevens, Libertarian Party, Kitchener-Conestoga

2007-10-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

No, an adopted adult has not right to identifying information about his or her origins. A non-adopted adult knows his or her parents because they chose to raise him or her. In the case of an adopted adult, his or her original parents chose to put him or her up for adoption. By doing so, they gave up their responsibility to raise him or her in favour of his or her adoptive parents. Their having done so and their reasons for doing so are their personal information and no one has a right to that information without their prior consent.

An adopted adult wanting to identify his or her origins should ask the agency that mediated in the adoption for that information. If the agency wishes to process his or her request, it would charge the adopted adult a fee to cover the full cost of the process. The agency must then get the permission of both original parents (and any other relevant persons) before disclosing the information. If either original parent (or any relevant other) declines and the adopted adult later determines their identity, the adoption agency would then be required to compensate both original parents (or all other relevant persons) for its failure to keep the identities of the original parents secret. The full cost of such compensation (including all legal and other costs of the agency, both original parents and all relevant others), must be built into the fee the adopted adult pays. No taxpayers money must be used to cover any part of this process.

Under no circumstances, must an adoption agency or any parent (or other relevant person) who was involved in the adoption be required to disclose or agree to the disclosure of any information concerning the adoption without their voluntary consent.

This is my personal opinion and should not be taken to be that of the Ontario Libertarian Party or any of their other candidates.

Jeanie Warnock, Green Party, Leeds-Grenville

2007-10-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Ron Yurick, Green Party, Algoma-Manitoulin

2007-10-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Every adopted person (and the adopting parents in the case of a very young person) should have the right to know about any medical, mental, psychiatric, genetic, etc. conditions in the adopted person's "biological" family, to the extent known, amongst that individual's parents and any siblings, and amongst the parents' parents and siblings, but on condition of anonymity for all of these relatives.

Beyond that, I feel that if an adopted adult wishes to reconnect with her/his natural parents or other "biological" family members, the government should assist in the process, but not go so far as to actually identify any of those other relatives if they wish to remain anonymous. That said, I understand that many people who've given up a child to adoption want to conceal their identity because they are fearful, ashamed, etc., and that it is these feelings that sometimes delay or even block a reunion.

Fortunately, such feelings are often overcome with time and maybe some counselling, and I think the government should facilitate that process by offering assistance to these individuals to overcome their "reluctancies". This could involve encouragement to seek counselling, and also serving as an occasional messenger to pass on communications from the person who is seeking the reunion but, again, only on condition that the "seeker" cannot learn the identity of the "sought" if they do not want their identities to be divulged. Hopefully, those individual(s) who are being "sought" will eventually agree to a reunion, but if they choose the opposite, my sense is that it should not be forced upon them.

Anita Lalchan, Green Party, Pickering-Scarborough East

2007-10-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I believe that it is our right to have access to information about our origins.

Andrew McAvoy, Green Party, Windsor-Tecumseh

2007-10-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes

Mike Kenny, New Democratic Party, Don Valley West

2007-10-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Rick Morelli, New Democratic Party, Vaughan

2007-09-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

In a word - yes.

Cathy Galt, Progressive Conservative Party, Northumberland-Quinte West

2007-09-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes, but the law should not be retroactive in my personal opinion. People who gave their children up for adoption in the past did so with the assurance that their identity would be kept confidential. If a program is made available that encourages them to contact their child (such as we currently have on line, I understand), and share health history and other valuable information, then the option is there for them to change their mind in later years. I feel a law passed now to give adoptees the right to have identifying information is necessary, but should only pertain to adoptions after the passage of the legislation.

Miriam Stucky, Green Party, Peterborough

2007-09-30T19:11:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Katy Austin, New Democratic Party, Simcoe-Grey

2007-09-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes

Comments: An adopted adult should be able to find out about her or his origins, but must also be willing to respect the privacy of his/her biological parents if those parents choose to not make contact. I speak here from persnal experience, which I hope you will respect as well.

Ray Scott, Family Coalition Party, Algoma-Manitoulin

2007-09-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

To your specific question, the answer is Yes. Adopted adults should know about their heritage, and particularly need to know about the medical histories of their birth parent's families.

If you were to ask if adopted adults should be able to find out specifically who their birth parents are, against the birth parents' wishes, my answer is No.

My party is a pro-life party. A mother giving a child for adoption might consider anonymity necessary in her decision to not abort. Having to disclose her identity in the future could result in her deciding to abort rather than bring a child to term. That is why the Family Coalition Party must be opposed to full identify disclosure if it were against the birth parents' wishes.

Leonard Poole, Green Party, Ottawa-Vanier

2007-09-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure

Comments:
It is essential, in my view, that all individuals have access to information about their origin that are required for their health care. However, although I respect that adoptive individuals may have strong emotional and/or psychological reasons for learning more about their birth parents, such parents may also have similarly strong emotional and/or psychological reasons to remain anonymous. Perhaps it should be required that birth parents be required to provide specific health information. Ultimately, though, unless I can be convinced otherwise, I believe that a birth parents desire to remain anonymous must also be considered.

Dawn Kannegiesser, Green Party, Thunder Bay-Superior North

2007-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure. I think there are many issues involved here. Obviously, there are numerous emotional issues around discovering your origins and some people truly yearn to reconnect with their biological roots. However, oftentimes the reasons people give children up for adoption can be difficult wounds to open. I think there may need to be timelines around when someone can access this information, but otherwise I think that adopted adults should have access to this information. There may be significant medical information that an adopted adult should have privy to.

Jason Haney, Green Party, Windsor West

2007-09-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

As an adoptee myself, I wholeheartedly agree!

Erich Jacoby-Hawkins, Green Party, Barrie

2007-09-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Comment - since information about ancestry can be very important when assessing risk levels for various genetically-related diseases, it is important for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of disease to be able to find such information where possible. As our knowledge of genetic factors increases, this will become even more important.

Rolly Montpellier, Green Party, Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington

2007-09-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I believe that all individuals ought to have the right to all information relevant to his or her life. The Green Party supports equality and social justice for all.

My answer is a categorical YES

Jim Reeves, Green Party, York-Simcoe

2007-09-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes I do believe that adopted adults should have the same access to identifyiing information as non-adoptive. This is especially neccessary with regard to medical information about parents and grandparents,which may identify and prevent possible serious medical conditions.

Russ Aegard, Green Party, Thunder Bay-Atikokan

2007-09-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I am not sure of the wording of this question. However, I think I understand what you are trying to convey. Someone who gives up a child for adoption for a variety of reasons has the right to privacy. It may be difficult for some adoptees to not know who their biological parents are; however, we must respect the rights of the people who placed their child in the adoption system. As a parent of an adopted child from China, she will never know her biological parents. However, we are her parents. Parenting isn't about genetics; it's about love. We chose to adopt because there are too many children in the world without a loving home.

This comes down to a rights of the adoptee vs. the rights of the bio parent issue. If the bio parent signs a release that they don't mind that the info is shared, then no problem. However, if the bio parent does not ever want to be contacted, we must respect their right to privacy and better prepare our children for that possibility.

However, I feel that an adopted person should have a right to their genetic medical history as it may be important for health related issues.

Gordon Kubanek, Green Party, Nepean-Carleton

2007-09-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

NO

Comments: but should have rights to know genetic information that may relevant to their healthy but not details on names, location, identies - allow disclosure veto should be allowed ONLY of identity of parents not of medically relevant details

Louis Delongchamp, Progressive Conservative Party, Sudbury

2007-09-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes, I support the right to have access to adoption and original birth information, and the right for parents to prohibit such disclosure if needed.

Ron Dupuis, Liberal Party, Nickel Belt

2007-09-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Richard Raymond, Progressive Conservative Party, Ottawa South

2007-09-30T07:58:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Not sure

Nella Cotrupi, New Democratic Party, Richmond Hill

2007-09-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

My own personal views are that yes, they should. I will forward this to
the party for their position.

Jim Arkilander, Green Party, Prince Edward-Hastings

2007-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes!

Sheila White, New Democratic Party, Scarborough-Rouge River

2007-09-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Bill Denby, Freedom Party, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

2007-09-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes, I agree that they should have the rights to all information as they are the parents of the child just the same. Any parent should have the rights to know everything as they are taking that child and giving them love and support, just like they would their own.

Bill McMaster, Family Coalition Party, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

2007-09-29T22:36:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

As an adoptee who met his birth family I say yes. But I have also seen the tragic side of meetings too.

But when you are adopted, you always have a sense of wonder in the back of your mind

Lynne Scime, Family Coalition Party, Hamilton Centre

2007-09-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

The Family Coalition Party believes in family and that a child has the right to know who the biological parents are!

Melanie Mullen, Green Party, Niagara Falls

2007-09-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

Mike McLean, Green Party, Toronto Centre

2007-09-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes.

George Pappas, Green Party, Scarborough-Agincourt

2007-09-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

As thechnology progresses, the need to evaluate critical data that would be available only through a known genetic history would define a substansial position for legislating that an availability of records be paramount.

Rick Moffitt, New Democratic Party, Kitchener Centre

2007-09-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes

Craig Hodgins, Libertarian Party, Newmarket-Aurora

2007-09-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

YES

Glenn Kitchen, Green Party, Scarborough-Guildwood

2007-09-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I am not sure I have no information from either side of the arguement

Tad Brudzinski, Family Coalition Party, Newmarket-Aurora

2007-09-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Definitely Yes.

Victoria Serda, Green Party, Huron-Bruce

2007-09-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I wish you would explain your position as part of the survey, for it is difficult, as a politican, to answer a question without understanding the ramifications of the answer, and to answer with integrity without making a promise or position without full knowledge of the subject.

I believe that upholding human rights is extremely important. I studied the application of human rights to children in education as part of my degree.

The issue of rights around adoption is complicated. If the parents give up a child for adoption but have a condition on the adoption agreement where they ask not to be contacted in the future, then that agreement should be upheld, since it is a legal contract, and I believe in the right of the individual for privacy. If there is a human rights issue over whether having this kind of agreement upholds human rights for the child as well as the parents, then a committee or the Ontario Human Rights Commission should look into the situation and make a ruling/direction to parliament where it is illegal/legal for the parents to have a closed adoption record. There also could be more efforts made to contact the blood parents to see if they would be willing to open their record.

Therefore, my answer is 'I'm not sure' because it is an issue that I feel would require more consultation and understanding. If elected, I would be willing to work with your organization on this in the future.

Nina Tangri, Progressive Conservative Party, Mississauga-Streetsville

2007-09-29T22:03:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

The answer is "yes"!

Alexander Kemp, Green Party, Oshawa

2007-09-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes! Information is always a good thing. The truth may hurt yet it is better to know than always wonder.

Tom Mayberry, Green Party, Oxford

2007-09-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

As a physician, I frequently mention to people, adopted or not, how difficult it is/must be for adopted people to make health decisions without good family history. For instance, you get an automatic colonoscopy if there is a family history of colon cancer; without a family history of the disease, you do not. Same thing for initiating mammography screening. Same thing for initiating cholesterol treatment. Same thing for glaucoma, etc.,etc. In a perfect world, we would all know our pedigree, so that we can set realistic expectations for our capabilities, longevity and potential hazards. Rights is a difficult concept though in this age of confidentiality...I really don't have the right to know my parent's health status, except with their permission. So I guess you're right in that we should all have the same rights which is to say, the parent has the right to confidentiality about their own personal health information, and, adopted or not, children hope that their biologic parents will do them a favour and pass it along to them. Thanks for the question...they always help me clarify my thinking

Stephen Maynard, New Democratic Party, London-Fanshawe

2007-09-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes.

Comments: As we learn more and about genetics, it has become very clear how important family health history can be in early detection or prevention of health problems. While privacy concerns need to be considered, more and more family members also seek reunification later in life, a system that recognizes the changing nature of adoption is important for both the physical and mental health of those involved.

Stefan Dixon, Green Party, Scarborough Southwest

2007-09-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure, sorry.
I don't know all the implications involved in many
adoption cases.

Paolo Fabrizio, Libertarian Party, Barrie

2007-09-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I don't believe in government control period. When it comes to the records of adopted persons it should be able to be viewed by any adult in that position. To have a happy and truly free life a person deserves the right and should have the ability to know their family history.

They did not choose to give up their identity it was decided for them.

Steven Fishman, Liberal Party, Simcoe-Grey

2007-09-29T21:47:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I believe that an adopted adult should have the same rights as all non-adopted adults. I have a good friend who was adopted at a very early age and he aways wanted to know about his family history, if he had any brothers or sisters, and where his birth family came from.

This is my own option and not that of the Liberal party, and I hope I answered your question.

Martin Hyde, Green Party, Ottawa West-Nepean

2007-09-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes, I believe people have a right to know where they came from when that information is available. I realize there are two sides to this story, and that people who put children up for adoption may want a clean break with the past, but the fact remains that those children did not ask to be born. The least we can do for them is allow them access to information that all of us raised by our birthparents have as a matter of course.

I am neither adopted, nor have put a child up for adoption. What I do know is that if I was to be reborn, but without knowing if I would be an adopted child, or someone who would eventually put a child up for adoption, I would choose to be born into a society which allowed adoptees to be informed of their ancestry.

Franz Cauchi, Freedom Party, Eglinton-Lawrence

2007-09-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I would have to take side for the most part with the parent(s) that gave the child up for adoption in the first place. However, if the "identifying information" was medical related and considered an "emergency" situation...like a bone marrow transplant or another organ transplant then perhaps special exceptions should be made.

Suzanne Fortin, Family Coalition Party, Nepean-Carleton

2007-09-29T21:25:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Speaking personally, I think that all adults should have access to rudimentary information about the biological parents, such as name, place of birth, and ethnic origin. Beyond that I'm non-committal, I'd have to analyze the situation further. I am concerned about the anonymity in biological relationships that occurs in IVF, sperm donation, etc. which is indirectly related to the open adoptions issue. The way children are deliberately conceived and left in the dark about their biological ascendancy is very troubling on many levels.

I do not wish to commit to a specific mode of implementing open adoption records, but I support the principal that people have the right to know who they are and what their biological history is.

Brett McKenzie, Green Party, London North Centre

2007-09-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I wish it were that simple. But one thing I've found is that yes/no questions are never simple.

Yes. An adopted adult should have the right to know who they are, where they came from, and their family medical history.

However, parents who have given their children up for adoption also have the right to carry on. In many cases, I know, they felt that adoption was best for their children, for a whole host of reasons. It must be difficult to give up your child. I can't imagine giving up my daughter. But I know that if I did, it would be for her. I know it would break my heart to have to face her later and tell her why.

So, while adults who have been adopted do have the right to know their origins, we must also protect the rights of those who have chosen or been forced to give up their children. If they wish it, anonymity must be preserved.

I appreciate your question. It's a difficult one I don't often consider. But I think that the wishes of both parties must be respected whenever possible.

I hope this helps.

Judy Greenwood-Speers, Green Party, Kitchener-Waterloo

2007-09-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

If there is agreement on the parent's side.

Any child placed for adoption should have as MUCH health history as possible provided by the parent.

My sister in law is adopted and I understand her position that she should know her information. However if the adoptee wants to have direct contact and the parent does not, then there is a prima fascia duty to honour what was originally guaranteed as confidential. The medical history argument is not strong enough to override and destroy lives that have moved on.

If the parent agrees with direct contact, then any requested information should be provided.

My opinion

John Rapin, Progressive Conservative Party, Kingston and the Islands

2007-09-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Thank you for the email.

Unfortunately it is the policy of our campaign not to respond to any surveys.

Thank you
Gareth Neilson

Penny Lucas, Progressive Conservative Party, Kenora-Rainy River

2007-09-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

YES. If only for Health Care reasons, people need to know where they come
from.

Vicki Gunn, Family Coalition Party, Glengarry-Prescott-Russell

2007-09-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Thank you for your inquiry which is one of particular importance to my family and me.

We adopted our 18 year old daughter and kept in touch with her birth mother, through the adoption agency, from the beginning. We always anticipated that at 18 she would have opportunity to meet her birth mom. When she turned 17 her birth mother agreed to meet her when she turned 18.

Unfortunately, after we provided contact information, she never contacted us. It has been very painful for our daughter.

There are many things which our daughter would like to know and I'm sure this will increase as she gets older. She should have access to this information.

I believe there needs to be, along with access to the information, some protections in place should the birth parents or adopted child not wish to have direct contact.; the necessary information exchanged through the adoption agency or other person.

This is also something which is open to those of natural descent. Either the child, or their parents, may choose not to have direct contact upon the child achieving adulthood.

Thank you for your question.

John Gots, Family Coalition Party, Guelph

2007-09-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

In my opinion the parents who have put the child up for adoption, and the parents who adopted the child would need to agree beforehand to be identified. If there is no agreement then No. If the birth parents are deceased, and the adopting ones are the only survivors to the adoption agreement, and they know, and willing to share the information, then the answer is yes.

In general, geneological information needs to be searched out by the individual interested in it. If a certain relative does not want to give out the information they do not have to.

Jerry Schulman, Green Party, Etobicoke-Lakeshore

2007-09-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

I'm not sure.

Andrew James, Green Party, Eglinton-Lawrence

2007-09-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

No (not the same rights).

The adoption process should include some reference to the medical history of both parents, where available.

But adopted children should only be given other identifying information where the biological parenta have previously indicated to the adoption authority their willingness to be "found" by the adopted child.

This is my personal opinion and not necessarily that of the Green Party as a whole.

Ken Bell, Green Party, Chatham-Kent-Essex

2007-09-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes

Douglas Smith, Green Party, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

2007-09-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Thank you for your inquiry. Of course adopted adults should have such a right. I do not know whether it serves your cause to report the frustration and even sorrow which astrology clients experience, if by virtue of being adopted they are denied access to their birth record.

John Ogilvie, Green Party, Carleton-Mississippi Mills

2007-09-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

The party has no official position on this. My personal opinion, as a parent, is that if I chose to put a child up for adoption, and I decided to seal those records, then that decision should be respected. Such a decision would be difficult enough.

Trifon Haitas, Green Party, Don Valley East

2007-09-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes

Comments:
Adopted adults aught to have the same rights in regards to identififying his or her origins as do non-adopted adults.

Ryan Kidd, Family Coalition Party, Don Valley East

2007-09-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Often the circumstances surrounding adoption are tragic and/or exceptional. I think it would be essentially responsible to have health information recorded, and available, but if the parents wish to remain anonymous and have that specified in the adoption contract, I think that's something we must honour too, as a matter of legal trust. What's the reason we need to open the adoption records? Just for emotional satisfaction, or is there something practical involved beyond just having any medical/DNA history available?

Steven Elgersma, Family Coalition Party, Haldimand-Norfolk

2007-09-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?

Yes, absolutely. It is imperative that they know their biolgical ancestry for medical purposes.

Norah Madden, Family Coalition Party, Brampton West

2007-09-29T20:31:00.001-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes

Irma DeVries, Family Coalition Party, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

2007-09-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults? Yes / No / I'm not sure

Comments: Adopted adults should be able to have all medically pertinent information about their birth parents. Birth parents should have the right to remain anonymous and private.
Parents who gave their child up for adoption should have the privacy of not being contacted by a child against their will. It could ruin their rebuilt lives. They may never have told anyone of their pregnancy.
The time to start changing this is now by more open adoptions. Some parents may still want a closed adoption and that should be their right. Open adoptions will gradually change the views of those who desire privacy. We should never press our desires to know, on to another and thus take away their right to remain private. Continued education about the benefits of open adoption will fix the problem some adoptee's are feeling.

Sincerely, Irma DeVries