A Canadian Parent Field Trip Consent Form is a document signed by a parent or legal guardian authorizing a child to participate in a school-organized field trip or off-campus activity. The consent form provides the school or organization with the legal authority to supervise the child outside of school premises and, when applicable, to administer first aid or seek emergency medical treatment.

Field trip consent forms are required by provincial education legislation and school board policies across Canada. Ontario's Education Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2) establishes the duty of care that schools owe to students, which extends to off-campus activities. Alberta's School Act (R.S.A. 2000, c. S-3) similarly requires schools to maintain proper supervision during all school-sanctioned activities. British Columbia's School Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 412) and the related administrative procedures mandate parental consent for field trips.

The collection of personal information on a field trip consent form, including the child's medical information and emergency contact details, is governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) at the federal level and by provincial privacy legislation such as Ontario's Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), or BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Schools must collect only the information necessary for the field trip, use it solely for the stated purposes, and protect it from unauthorized disclosure.

The consent form typically includes the child's name and date of birth, the field trip destination and date, the parent or guardian's contact information, emergency contact details, relevant medical information (allergies, medications, conditions), and the parent's acknowledgment of the activity's nature and any associated risks. Many school boards also include a liability acknowledgment or waiver clause, though the enforceability of such clauses varies by province.

This template is designed for use by schools, daycare centres, youth organizations, sports clubs, and any other entity organizing supervised activities for minors in Canada. It complies with federal and provincial privacy requirements and includes optional sections for medical information, emergency contacts, and additional terms.

When a school organizes a day trip to a museum, science centre, park, or other educational venue and needs written authorization from each student's parent or guardian before the student can participate in the off-campus activity.

When a daycare centre or early childhood program plans an outing and requires parental consent under provincial child care licensing regulations, which mandate documentation of parental authorization for any activity outside the licensed premises.

When a youth sports team, Scout or Guide troop, religious organization, or community group takes children on a trip and needs documented consent from parents, including medical information for emergency response.

When a school board policy requires specific consent forms for overnight trips, water-based activities, or activities with elevated risk levels, and the standard blanket consent at the beginning of the school year is insufficient.

When a school needs to collect the child's medical information (allergies, medications, conditions) for emergency preparedness during the field trip, and must comply with PIPEDA and provincial privacy legislation regarding the collection, use, and storage of personal health information.

When a parent or guardian wishes to provide conditional consent, such as restricting certain activities, requiring specific accommodations for a child with special needs, or designating an alternative emergency contact.

When multiple field trips are planned throughout the school year and the organization wants an ongoing consent form that covers all activities until a specified date or until consent is withdrawn in writing.

Without a signed consent form, schools and organizations expose themselves to liability for supervising a child without parental authorization, and may be unable to obtain emergency medical treatment for a child who is injured during the activity.

Parent/Guardian Information — Full legal name, address, email, and phone number of the parent or legal guardian providing consent. This identifies the person with legal authority to consent on behalf of the child and provides contact information for emergencies during the field trip.

Child Information — Full name and date of birth of the child participating in the field trip. The date of birth confirms the child's age and may be relevant for age-specific activities or supervision ratios required by provincial regulations.

Field Trip Details — Description of the activity, destination address, date, departure and return times, mode of transportation, and supervision arrangements. This ensures the parent is fully informed about the nature and logistics of the activity before providing consent.

Medical Information — Optional but recommended section for the child's allergies (food, medication, environmental), current medications (names and dosages), known medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, seizure disorders), and any special dietary requirements. This information is collected under PIPEDA for the specific purpose of ensuring the child's health and safety during the field trip.

Emergency Contact — Name, phone number, and relationship of an alternative emergency contact who can be reached if the parent or guardian is unavailable. This ensures the organization can reach a responsible adult in case of an emergency.

Consent Duration — Whether the consent applies to a single field trip or is ongoing until a specified date or withdrawal of consent. For ongoing consent, specify that the parent may withdraw consent at any time by providing written notice.

Medical Treatment Authorization — The parent's authorization for the organization's staff to administer first aid or seek emergency medical treatment for the child if necessary during the field trip. This clause is important because hospitals and paramedics may require proof of parental authorization to treat a minor.

Consent Withdrawal — The parent's right to withdraw consent at any time before the field trip by providing written notice. Under PIPEDA and provincial privacy legislation, consent for the collection of personal information may be withdrawn at any time.

Governing Province — The province whose laws govern the consent form, determining the applicable education act, privacy legislation, and duty of care standards.

Additional Terms — Optional section for special requirements, dietary restrictions, mobility considerations, or other conditions that the organization should be aware of when supervising the child.