Nova Scotia

outline of nova scotia with a grey shape

Nova Scotia

Gender Marker

You will need to submit different documents to change your gender marker depending on your age. There is no fee for this change, and you will be allowed to change your gender marker even if you have not or do not plan on undergoing any gender affirmation surgery. You can change your gender marker to F, M, or X.   

For all ages, you must meet the following requirements:  

  • You must have either been born in Nova Scotia or have been resident in the province for the three months before you submitted the application 
  • If you were born outside of Canada, you must also submit your immigration documents alongside your proof of residency (such as a driver’s license, health card, or lease) 
  • If you were born in Canada but outside of Nova Scotia, you need to also submit your birth certificate along with proof of residency (such as a driver’s license, health card, or lease). 
  • If you were born in Nova Scotia, you just need to submit your birth certificate.  

For adults (age 16 or older), follow the following steps:  

  1. Fill out the change of sex indicator application form, found here.   
  2. Find the required proof of residency documents, depending on where you were born  
  3. Submit these documents to Vital Statistics in person or by mail 

For youth (age 15 or younger), follow the following steps:  

  1. Have your parent or guardian fill out this form  
  2. To fill out the form, find a doctor or psychologist to fill out the “written statement from a professional” section 
  3. Also to fill out the form, get consent from all other parent(s) or guardian(s)    
  4. Find the required proof of residency documents, depending on where you were born  
  5. Submit these documents to Vital Statistics in person or by mail 

Additional info can be found here 

 

As of February 11, 2019, all Nova Scotia residents can opt to remove the sex designation/gender marker from their Nova Scotia health cards. This will not remove or change what is already in the system, but will remove the indicator from the front of the card. 

This service is available free of charge. 

If you would like to request the removal of your sex designation from your health card, call MSI Registration and Inquiry at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Nova Scotia).  

Sources: Nova Scotia Vital Statistics Act; Nova Scotia Vital Statistics – Change of Name or Change of Sex Indicator Application FormNew Gender Identity Option for Birth Certificates; Nova Scotia MSI – Health Cards. 

Human Rights

Gender identity and gender expression are protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. This applies to employment, housing/accommodation, services (such as stores, restaurants, and programs funded by the province), purchase or sale of property, volunteer public service, publication, broadcast/advertisement, and membership in any workplace organization.  The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission defines gender identity as “internal sense of being male or female which can be partially or fully opposed to physical anatomy and gender roles assigned at birth,” and gender expression as “the external behaviours and characteristics (ie, dress, mannerisms, social interactions, speech patterns, etc) that a person displays in order to indicate their gender identity through behaviour, clothing, hairstyle, voice, and emphasizing, de-emphasizing, or changing your physical characteristics.”   

If you have been discriminated against due to your gender identity or gender expression in a way that is protected under this Act, you can file a complaint through the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. 

Name Change

You will need to submit different documents to change your name depending on your age. The fee for this change is $164.70.   

For all ages, you must meet the following requirements:  

  • Have been born in Nova Scotia or resided in Nova Scotia for at least three months before applying  
  • Submit all previously issued original birth certificates   

For adults (age 16 or older), follow the following steps:  

  1. Complete an application form   
  2. Have your fingerprints taken and submitted 
  3. If born outside of Canada, submit your immigration documents (record of landing) 
  4. Submit your application to Vital Statistics  

For youth (age 15 or under), follow the following steps:  

  1. Have a parent or guardian complete an application form   
  2. Provide consent from any other parents or guardians, or get a court order saying that you do not need their consent   
  3. If you were born outside Nova Scotia, submit a detailed birth certificate that contains parental information 
  4. If you are 12 or older, have your fingerprints taken and submitted  
  5. Submit your application to Vital Statistics   

Sources: Nova Scotia Vital Statistics – Change of NameService Nova Scotia – Change of Name. 

School Registry

On March 8, 2019, it was reported that students in grade school would have the option to begin using ‘X’ as their gender marker in the near future. Students through pre-primary to grade six will need parental consent while those in grades seven through 12 will not require parental consent. 

Where there is a conflict between the parent and child, the “schools will make the decision that causes the least amount of harm to the child/youth.” 

Sources: Nova Scotia Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentCBC News.