The British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency is responsible for the registration of births, marriages, and deaths in British Columbia. These registrations began in 1872 after British Columbia became a province of Canada, but do include some events which took place prior to 1872 but were registered later.
British Columbia Archives
The Vital Statistics Agency and BC Archives provide a searchable electronic index to British Columbia's historical birth, death and marriage records. These include:
- Births Registration Index: 1872 to 1903
- Marriage Registration Index: 1872 to 1934
- Death Registration Index: 1872 to 1989
- Colonial Marriage Index: 1859 to 1872
- Baptisms Index: events over 120 years old
To view or access the actual registration records, researchers may:
- Visit one of various agencies holding microfilm copies in person.
- Write to the BC Archives to request a copy of a registration record. Please see the information on the specific citation package.
- Hire an Independent Research Agent to visit an agency having a copy of the microfilm.
Some vital event registration records are now available in digital image format for on-line purchase, and delivery via email.
Mailing address and phone number:
British Columbia Archives
675 Belleville Street
Victoria BC
V8W 9W2
(250) 387-1952
British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency
The Genealogical Services page contains information on genealogy services and explains how to order a Genealogy Certified Registration copy of:
- Genealogy - Birth
- Genealogy - Adoption
- Genealogy - Marriage
- Genealogy - Death