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Chapter CP 3 - Establishing Applicant's IdentitySection 5 - Policy on DNA testing 5.1 This section is about
5.2 Policy CIC started accepting DNA testing in 1991, particularly in sponsorship cases, as proof of filiation between a parent and a child or between brothers and sisters. At Citizenship, in September 1996, we started accepting DNA testing. ALL CASES REQUIRING A DNA TEST MUST BE REFERRED TO CASE MANAGEMENT BRANCH 5.3 What is DNA? DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material found in virtually every cell of the human body. A basic genetic principle states that half of a child’s DNA comes from the mother and the other half comes from the father. The DNA identity test begins with the extraction of DNA from a specimen (blood, skin, saliva, hair, and so on). The analysis consists in comparing genetic profiles. A DNA test can be used to verify familial relationships beyond reasonable doubt - that is, with greater than 99.8% accuracy. 5.4 Circumstances in which a DNA analysis should be carried out DNA analysis for verifying a relationship of parentage is a last resort. In cases where there are doubts concerning the authenticity of a familial relationship after documentary evidence is examined, or when it is absolutely impossible to obtain it, applicants may be informed that the results of a DNA analysis carried out by an approved laboratory are a satisfactory substitute for documentary evidence. Applications for certificates of proof of citizenship under 3(1)(b) and 5(2)(a) may, for example, prove to be cases where documentary evidence is unsatisfactory. 5.5 What to tell applicants about DNA It is important to inform applicants that they are totally free to have or not to have a DNA analysis. They must be made to understand that they or their sponsor will have to cover all costs related to this test, regardless of the result. Applicants must be given a list of the names and addresses of the laboratories listed in these instructions. It is the applicants’ responsibility to choose one of these laboratories. CIC will not accept test results from laboratories which are not on this list. In addition, it must be explained that the government assumes no responsibility for the results of the analyses. The analyses are conducted by private laboratories, which send CIC or offices abroad copies of the results. For laboratories to be able to send the results, the applicant must sign a release and consent form (given directly to the applicant by the laboratory). At the end of this section, you will find a sample letter to send to applicants 5.6 What are the procedures to follow in analyzing DNA? The collection of samples in Canada is relatively simple. The applicant contacts the laboratory, which explains the procedure to follow. For example, at the time of blood specimen collection, two passport photographs, identification documentation and fingerprints must be provided. Outside Canada, embassy staff, such as a visa officer, oversees blood sample collection. The approved laboratory provides a tamper-proof collection kit (including instructions) to the client or office abroad. Some foreign offices keep a stock of kits which they distribute on the approval of the laboratory authorized to carry out the analyses. The blood specimens and chain of custody documentation are sent directly to the laboratory via an internationally recognized courier. The results are known three to four weeks after the specimen collection is done, and a copy of the results is sent to us, as well as to the client and/or Canadian embassy, as appropriate. 5.7 Which laboratories are authorized to carry out DNA analyses for CIC? The services of one of the following firms will be used for DNA analyses. Clients must be given the names and addresses of all the firms. HELIX BIOTECH LTD. In Ontario, applicants may obtain specimen kits from the following address: 1200 Speers Road,
Unit 36 In Quebec, applicants may obtain specimen kits from the following address: 5130 Saint-Hubert
Street, Suite 210 Elsewhere in Canada, applicants may obtain specimen kits from the following address: 215 - 7080 River
Road SEROLOGICAL SERVICES Applicants may obtain specimen kits from the following address: 586 Eglinton Ave.
E., #202 5.8 Sample letter to be adapted to your needs: dd/mm/199_ Name Subject: Name/Date of Birth File No: Dear Sir or Madam: Further to your application for a certificate of proof of citizenship concerning the above-mentioned child, on (day/month/year) we requested that you provide us with additional evidence to establish the relationship of parentage between (name), born on (date of birth), and yourself. Since the documentary evidence you provided when you applied does hot enable us to establish filiation between you and the child, and you are unable to obtain other documentary evidence, in lieu of documentary evidence, we will accept the results of a DNA analysis carried out by an approved laboratory. Helix Biotech Ltd., and Serological Services Ltd. offer this service and their results are recognized by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. A list of the addresses of these private laboratories is attached. You are responsible for covering the costs related to the administration of this test. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility with regard to the results of these analyses. Please note that your application will be considered abandoned, and we will have to choice but to close your file if we do not hear from you by (date). Sincerely, (signature) Case analyst/Case Review Case Management |
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