A Canadian Medical Consent Form for a Minor is a legal document by which a parent or legal guardian authorizes a designated person (the Decision Maker) to consent to medical treatment on behalf of a minor child. This form is necessary because, under Canadian law, minors generally cannot consent to their own medical treatment unless they meet the criteria of the mature minor doctrine, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in A.C. v. Manitoba (Director of Child and Family Services), 2009 SCC 30.

The legal framework for medical consent for minors varies by province. In Ontario, the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 2, Sched. A, establishes a capacity-based approach rather than an age-based one — a health practitioner must assess whether the patient (including a minor) is capable of understanding the information relevant to the treatment decision and appreciating the reasonably foreseeable consequences. If the minor is found incapable, the substitute decision maker (typically a parent or guardian) provides consent. The Children's Law Reform Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. C.12) establishes the rules for custody and decision-making responsibility, including the ability to delegate authority to another person.

In British Columbia, the Infants Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 223, s. 17) allows minors to consent to health care if the health care provider explains the nature and consequences and is satisfied the minor understands. In Quebec, the Civil Code (art. 14 C.C.Q.) sets a clear age threshold: minors 14 and older may consent alone to care required by their state of health, while consent for minors under 14 must come from the parent or guardian, except in emergencies. Alberta and the remaining provinces follow common law principles supplemented by the mature minor doctrine.

A Canadian Medical Consent Form for a Minor is needed whenever a parent or legal guardian will be temporarily absent or unavailable and the child will be in the care of another responsible adult. Common scenarios include when a child is staying with grandparents, other relatives, or family friends; when a child is attending camp, sports events, school trips, or overnight activities; when a child is travelling with a non-parent caregiver; when a child is in the care of a babysitter or nanny for an extended period; and when custodial arrangements require documentation of authority for medical decisions.

The form is particularly important in Canada because of the provincial health insurance system. When a child presents for medical care, the health care provider will need the provincial health card (OHIP card in Ontario, BC Services Card in BC, RAMQ card in Quebec, etc.) and may require proof that the accompanying adult has authority to consent to treatment on the child's behalf. Without a valid medical consent form, health care providers may be reluctant to provide non-emergency treatment and the Decision Maker may face challenges in making timely medical decisions.

In emergency situations, health care providers in all provinces are legally authorized to provide necessary treatment without consent under provisions such as Ontario's Health Care Consent Act (s. 25), which permits treatment without consent when the person is incapable and delay would cause serious bodily harm. However, the medical consent form remains valuable even in emergencies because it provides critical health information (allergies, medications, blood type, pre-existing conditions) and identifies the child's regular physicians and preferred medical facility.

A comprehensive Canadian Medical Consent Form for a Minor must include several essential elements. First, the full identification of the parent or legal guardian (the Grantor), including their legal name, residential address with province or territory and postal code, phone number, email address, and their relationship to the child (parent or legal guardian). Second, the child's full legal name, date of birth, and provincial health card number (OHIP, BC MSP, RAMQ, or other provincial plan).

Third, identification of the Decision Maker who is authorized to consent to treatment, with their full name and address. Fourth, a specific list of authorized medical treatments, which may include emergency care, routine care, immunizations, hospitalization, surgery, dental care, and other treatments. Fifth, the child's complete health information, including known health conditions, current prescription and over-the-counter medications, allergies (with severity and reaction type), blood type, and any other special medical needs.

Sixth, the names of the child's regular health care providers (family physician, paediatrician, dentist) and the preferred medical facility with full address. Seventh, insurance information, including both provincial health insurance and any supplemental private coverage. Eighth, emergency contact information for both the Grantor and a secondary emergency contact.

Ninth, a reference to the applicable provincial health care consent legislation (such as Ontario's Health Care Consent Act, BC's Infants Act, or Quebec's Civil Code). Tenth, the duration of the consent, specifying the start and end dates. Eleventh, a governing law clause identifying the applicable province. Finally, witness signatures for additional evidentiary weight, as some provincial courts have recognized the importance of witnessed medical consent documents.