A Canadian Child Care Authorization Letter is a legal document by which a parent or legal guardian formally delegates temporary care and decision-making authority for their minor child(ren) to a designated caretaker. The letter establishes the scope of the caretaker's powers, which may include providing daily care, consenting to medical treatment, enrolling the child in educational programmes, authorizing participation in recreational activities, and travelling with the child.

The legal authority for delegating child care powers varies by province. In Ontario, the Children's Law Reform Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. C.12) governs custody and decision-making responsibility. Section 21 provides that a person entitled to custody of a child may authorize another person to exercise the right and authority to make decisions about the child's care, health, and education. In British Columbia, the Family Law Act (S.B.C. 2011, c. 25) distinguishes between guardianship and parenting time, and section 43 permits a guardian to make arrangements for the temporary care of a child. In Quebec, the Civil Code of Québec (art. 599-612 C.C.Q.) establishes parental authority, and art. 601 allows a person having parental authority to delegate custody to another person.

This form is distinct from a power of attorney for personal care or a formal custody order. It is intended for temporary arrangements where the parent or guardian will be absent or unavailable for a defined period but retains ultimate parental authority. For longer-term arrangements, parents should consider applying for a temporary custody order or guardianship under the applicable provincial legislation.

A Canadian Child Care Authorization Letter is needed whenever a parent or legal guardian will be temporarily absent and a child will be in the care of another responsible adult. Common situations include when parents are travelling without their children (business trips, vacations, military deployment), when a child is staying with grandparents, other relatives, or family friends for an extended period, when parents are hospitalized or otherwise incapacitated, and when a child needs to be picked up from school or taken to medical appointments by someone other than the parent or guardian.

The letter is particularly important in Canada for interactions with schools, medical facilities, and government services. Canadian schools typically require written authorization before releasing a child to anyone other than the custodial parent or guardian. Medical facilities, while authorized to provide emergency treatment without consent, will require documented authority for non-emergency care. If the child will be travelling, especially internationally, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recommends that children travelling with non-parents carry a consent letter from the absent parent(s) or guardian(s).

A child care authorization letter is also essential for accessing government benefits and services on behalf of the child, including provincial health insurance coverage (OHIP, BC MSP, RAMQ), applying for a social insurance number, enrolling in daycare or school programmes, and interacting with child and family services. Without proper documentation, caretakers may face challenges in accessing these services, potentially compromising the child's welfare.

A comprehensive Canadian Child Care Authorization Letter must include several essential elements to be effective across provinces and territories. First, clear identification of the parent or guardian (the Grantor), including their full legal name, residential address with province and postal code, and their relationship to the child (parent or legal guardian). Second, identification of the Caretaker with their full legal name and complete mailing address.

Third, identification of the minor child(ren) by full legal name. If multiple children are included, each should be named individually. Fourth, the effective date when the caretaker's authority begins and the expiration mechanism (either a specific end date or revocation in writing by the parent or guardian). Fifth, a detailed list of the caretaker's delegated powers, which may include providing daily care and supervision, consenting to medical treatment, enrolling in educational programmes, authorizing recreational activities, picking up from school, applying for government benefits, and travelling with the child.

Sixth, if medical authorization is included, the specific scope of medical care permitted and any relevant allergy or health information. Seventh, if travel authorization is included, the destinations and scope of permitted travel, with a note that the caretaker should carry the authorization letter and identification for the child during travel. Eighth, a reference to the applicable provincial family law legislation. Ninth, a governing law clause identifying the applicable province or territory. Finally, signatures of both the parent/guardian and the caretaker, with the date of execution. For additional evidentiary weight, particularly for travel purposes, the signatures may be witnessed or notarized.