Birth Record Search
The cost for a Birth Record Search for an ancestor born in Canada is typically CAN$250. This fee is exclusive of document ordering, copying and/or shipping fees if a record is located. The cost depends on case complexity. A birth record search does not guarantee a birth record will be found.
Ontario Birth Record Search
The cost for a search of undigitised records held by the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, the United Church of Canada Archives, the Presbyterian Church in Canada Archives, the Ontario Jewish Archives and the Archives of Ontario is typically CAN$250, exclusive of document copying and shipping fees.
Birth Evidence Report
If a Birth Record Search returns no result, a Birth Evidence Report can assemble alternate proof of a person’s birth. When an ancestor’s birth record doesn’t appear to match the same person in later documents, a Birth Evidence Report can provide genealogical proof that they are the same person. A Birth Evidence Report starts at CAN$500; very complex cases can take weeks to assemble and cost around CAN$1,000 to CAN$1,500. Cost depends on case complexity.
Canadian Ancestry Report
If you need to document more than one generation in your Canadian line, a Canadian Ancestry Report can present the evidence in a way that’s logical and easy to understand. The cost for a Canadian Ancestry Report is typically around CAN$1,500, exclusive of document copying and shipping fees. A Canadian Ancestry Report includes three sections: (1) Family data (the facts you’ll need for form CIT 0001) in a standard genealogical format (i.e., ascending Ahnentafel), (2) Endnotes that cite each source and (c) Images of all cited documents.
GENEALOGICAL PROOF: Genealogical proof is derived from five elements:
- Reasonably exhaustive research, which is demonstrated by . . .
- Complete citations of relevant sources, which are . . .
- Analysed and correlated, and may reveal . . .
- Conflicting information, which must be resolved, and presented in a . . .
- Written report.
IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the applicant for a certificate of Canadian citizenship to determine what documentation they need to support their application. Under the Citizenship Act (Section 21.1 (1)), only a designated professional can advise a person in connection with an application. dfh Research Services cannot provide such advice either directly or indirectly.
For more information about applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate see: Apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate: How to apply.
DNA Research
Some companies charge as much as US$3,700 to identify a biological parent or other ancestor with no guarantee of success. We can do this work for less. We typically provide an initial 10-hour DNA research session and report for CAN$900.
The research and the written report will:
- survey and describe the research that was undertaken in the time available;
- if possible, suggest an answer to your research goal — typically a theory that the evidence supports; and
- provide suggestions for additional research to either confirm or rule out the theory and the candidate(s) identified.
If you are thinking about a DNA investigation to solve a family mystery, please see How to Participate in a Genetic Genealogy Project.
Online Session
I’ll meet with you online to provide customized information, education, and advice about DNA testing and analysis so you can take the next steps. CAN$100 for a one-hour session. You may invite multiple participants.
Gift Certificates
Provide the gift of a genealogist’s time and expertise to help someone break through a brick wall in their family history!
Online Payment
Invoices are sent by email and payable online by credit card, an equivalent debit card or Apple Pay. Canadian clients also have the option to pay by Interac e-transfer®.