Free new-parent guide · MB
Having a Baby in Manitoba (2026): Paperwork Checklist
Facts checked July 2026 · See what changed · How we check
Here is everything you need to do after your baby arrives in Manitoba, from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1: Register the birth
Manitoba Vital Statistics Branch · within 5 days (or before hospital release)
Register within 5 days of birth or before the baby is discharged from hospital, whichever comes first.
The bundle includes:
Paper form bundle: birth registration, SIN, and CCB (no online registration yet)
Birth certificate: $30 (includes the search)
Manitoba Vital Statistics Branch →Step 2: Baby's Social Insurance Number (SIN)
The SIN can usually be applied for through the birth-registration bundle. If you did not include it in the bundle, apply directly to Service Canada. No fee.
Service Canada SIN application →Step 3: Canada Child Benefit + Manitoba Child Benefit
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Apply via: (a) the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) during birth registration , no separate proof of birth needed; (b) CRA My Account under “Apply for child benefits”; or (c) Form RC66 by mail. CCB is income-tested. Both parents must file taxes. First payment within approximately 8 weeks.
CCB overview at canada.ca →Manitoba Child Benefit
Requires a separate application, not automatically issued through the CRA/CCB system. Excludes families receiving income assistance.
Apply for Manitoba Child Benefit →Step 4: Newborn health card (Manitoba Health)
Separate application required
Manitoba Health card for the newborn must be applied for separately. It is not included in the birth registration bundle. See Manitoba Health for the current process.
Step 5: Parental leave & EI benefits
Job-protected leave (Manitoba Employment Standards)
- Pregnancy/maternity leave: 17 weeks
- Parental leave: 37 weeks (notably lower than most other provinces)
EI maternity + parental benefits (the money)
- Maternity: 15 weeks
- Parental (standard): up to 40 weeks shared (max 35 per parent) at 55% of insurable earnings
- Parental (extended): up to 69 weeks shared (max 61 per parent) at 33% of insurable earnings
- Waiting period: 1 week
Apply early: Apply at Service Canada as soon as you stop working. Waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day of work can result in lost benefits.
2026 weekly maximums: approximately $729 (standard) / $437 (extended). These figures update each January; verify current rates at canada.ca.
EI maternity/parental at canada.ca →Step 6: Optional: start an RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) lets the federal government add money to your child's education savings:
- CESG:Government adds 20% on contributions up to $2,500/year (max $500/year; lifetime max $7,200/child). 2026 rate; verify at canada.ca.
- CLB:For lower-income families: $500 in the first year plus $100/year until age 15 (up to $2,000 total). No contributions required to receive the CLB. 2026 income thresholds; verify at canada.ca.
Free download
New-Parent Paperwork Checklist: Manitoba
Download a printable PDF checklist covering all steps above: birth registration, SIN, CCB, health card, parental leave, and RESP.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
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Last updated: July 2026