Travel within Canada - what is reasonable?

[momof2teenboys]

Our separation agreement sets out the requirement for travel consent letter to be notarized and signed (with itinerary and emergency contact details) and proof of travel health insurance. It doesn't state anything about limiting this requirement to out-of-country travel.

Would you also assume (I know...this should have been written better!) that any travel out-of-province would also fall under the same guideline? I know we don't need a travel consent letter signed to travel with minors within Canada but would you still provide itinerary/emergency contact etc and proof of travel health insurance?

What would you do or expect from the other parent? Travel would be Ontario to Quebec and Ontario to BC

[HammerDad]

I would say it isn't necessary.

Is the ex bringing their cell phone? If yes, then you have a contact number.

Travel insurance? This is Canada, we have universal health care. So IMO, that point is moot.

Itinerary is about the only thing that is relevant. And it should consist of a general description of locations, and if they are staying at a hotel, the hotel name.

The concept of the travel consent letter was for out-of-country travel. It has been brought into agreements for out-of-province travel. But unless your agreement provides that a consent letter is required for out-of-province trips, I would default back to original premise of the letter and it being for out-of-country.

[momof2teenboys]

Thank you

I assumed as much. Stbx took the boys to Montreal for an extended weekend at the beginning of the summer - with no notice to me. The boys didn't know about it until they were on their way but I figured...it's not worth a battle over. More annoyance that I wasn't told they'd be out of town just out of consideration really. The kids are older so they have cell phones and they texted and called home as usual.

I'm planning a camping trip to Quebec next month - I've sent him the dates and location of campground and informed him that the boys may or may not have decent cell service while away. (I won't know until we're there) More a heads up - fyi - not asking his permission and as per usual he's gone off the rails with his response. There's a family wedding in Victoria next summer so if this is an issue that's the trip I would worry about.

But really - it's Canada and neither of us need consent from the other parent. From what I can see on the OHIP site - we're covered for any emergency care. I have heard "stories" about people not having coverage when they are out of Ontario but I think that's the extreme and not usual.

[stripes]

I don't think it's necessary for travel within Canada. When you cross international borders with minor children, border agents may ask to see proof that the other parent/guardian has consented to the child leaving the country (it's an anti-abduction/anti-trafficking measure) and that's where the consent letter comes in. But this isn't going to happen if you're just going to another province.

I agree it's common courtesy to let the other parent know if you're going away for a weekend with the kids (when/how long/contact info), but it's not a hill to die on.

[Janus]

During your parenting time, there is no need to keep the other parent appraised of anything unless it affects the other parent. If there is an emergency, they can presumably contact you in the usual manner.

If I was travelling within Canada, my ex would only know if my kids chose to tell her.

[Beachnana]

I agree there is no need to inform the other parent of your plans while your children are in your care. If you are out of town and get delayed travelling back to switch over the children then you will,need to call and let them know. Otherwise it's not their concern. Next you will be confirming the restaurants and food you will eat.

[dad2bandm]

...Travel insurance? This is Canada, we have universal health care. So IMO, that point is moot...

...From what I can see on the OHIP site - we're covered for any emergency care. I have heard "stories" about people not having coverage when they are out of Ontario but I think that's the extreme and not usual...

Just to clarify, for others who may come across this post;

Yes, usually the provincial health-care travels with you, from province to province within Canada, but there still are some areas that you would not be covered (usually, in those "not usual" cases), so keep that in mind. Ex. You would be covered for a medical emergency, but...

Perhaps not covered for "return to your province" medical transportation, once the medical emergency was handled, but you're still sick/hurt, etc.

There is always fine print.