The government of Saskatchewan has introduced significant amendments to provincial legislation governing how residents can legally change their names. The changes, announced in November 2025, aim to modernize the system by increasing cultural flexibility while strengthening public safety protections.
Modernizing Saskatchewan's Name Change Process
On Wednesday, November 13, 2025, Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill introduced the Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025 and the Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025. These legislative updates address barriers that approximately 1,000 Saskatchewan residents face each year when seeking name changes.
"Saskatchewan is becoming increasingly diverse and there are some common barriers people encounter when they want to name their baby or request a name change," Cockrill stated in an official news release. "The removal of the maximum number of surnames, as an example, will provide greater flexibility to register different naming conventions, and remove some unnecessary hurdles that have become apparent in recent years."
Key Changes to Name Change Legislation
The amendments introduce several important modifications to Saskatchewan's name change process:
- Eliminating current surname limitations, allowing registration of more than two surnames
- Permitting single names (mononyms) when they hold cultural or religious significance
- Removing the requirement to provide proof of spousal awareness of a name change to protect privacy and personal safety
- Expanding the list of agencies that can be notified of name changes, including law enforcement
- Enhancing the registrar's ability to issue certificates or make registration amendments without requiring a court order
Enhanced Public Safety Measures
Alongside these modernizations, the government is implementing stricter measures to prevent individuals convicted of serious crimes from legally changing their names. Regulatory changes will expand the list of disqualifying offences that prevent name changes for those with criminal records.
This safety enhancement follows a 2020 incident reported by the Regina Leader-Post, where a 76-year-old convicted sex offender and child pornographer moved to Regina and changed his name after release from a U.S. prison. That case led to previous requirements for criminal record checks and provincial discretion to deny applications from individuals convicted of certain offences.
According to the provincial government, the latest amendments "are supported by police and public agencies who rely on proper identification when working with the public, as well as other vital statistics agencies across Canada." The changes represent a balanced approach between accommodating cultural diversity and maintaining public safety safeguards.
