The provincial government is going to clear some of the red tape faced when registering a birth or marriage, or when requesting a legal name change.

The twenty-year-old legislation will be amended to better meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s diverse and growing population.

Key changes include:

• Addressing current surname limitations, allowing for more than two surnames to be registered;
• Permitting registration of single names – also known as mononyms – when the name holds cultural or religious significance;
• Removing the requirement to provide proof that a spouse is aware of a name change request to protect privacy and personal safety;
• Expanding the list of agencies that can be notified of a name change, including law enforcement; and
• Enhancing the ability of the Registrar to issue certificates or make necessary amendments to registrations without requiring a court order.

The government says this will lay the foundation for upcoming regulatory changes. These will expand the list of offenses that would prevent those convicted of serious crimes from legally changing their name.

Every year approximately 1,000 Saskatchewan residents request a legal name change.