How to Enforce an Out-of-Province Protection Order in Ontario
If you’ve moved to Ontario with a protection order from another province or territory, you can register and enforce it under Ontario’s laws. Here’s how to ensure it’s legally recognized and enforceable.
🛡️ How to Enforce an Out-of-Province Protection Order in Ontario
If you’ve recently relocated to Ontario with a protection order (also called a restraining order or peace bond) issued in another Canadian province or territory, you have the right to have that order recognized and enforced under Ontario law.
This process ensures that local police and courts can uphold your protection, just as they would for a locally issued order.
❓ Are Protection Orders from Other Provinces Valid in Ontario?
Yes — under the federal "Enforcement of Canadian Judgments and Decrees Act" and Ontario’s Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, protection orders from other provinces and territories can be recognized and enforced once they are registered in Ontario.
📄 What Types of Orders Can Be Enforced?
You can register and enforce:
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Emergency protection orders
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Restraining orders
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Peace bonds
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Family court protection orders involving abuse, harassment, or threats
✅ The original order must still be active and valid in the issuing province.
📝 How to Register an Out-of-Province Order in Ontario
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Get a certified copy of your original protection order from the court where it was issued.
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Go to the family court office nearest to your new Ontario residence.
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Complete and submit:
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Certified copy of the original order
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Optional: Form 6B – Affidavit of Service if notice was given to the other party
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A judge will assess the out-of-province order and, if satisfied, issue an Ontario order confirming its registration and enforcement.
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Once registered, you can file the order with local law enforcement for quick enforcement if needed.
📌 Summary: Enforcing a Protection Order from Another Province in Ontario
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✅ Protection orders from other provinces are enforceable in Ontario once registered
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✅ Requires a certified copy of the original order
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✅ Submit the order to an Ontario Court of Justice using Form 8A
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✅ Once accepted, Ontario law enforcement can act on the order
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✅ Carry a copy of the registered order with you in case of emergency
🧾 Relevant Forms
🛟 Need Help?
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Victim Support Line (Ontario) – 1-888-579-2888
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Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258
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Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)
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Community Legal Clinics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is my restraining order from another province automatically valid in Ontario?
No, it is not automatically enforceable. While it is a valid order, you must first have it formally registered with an Ontario court before the police in Ontario can enforce its terms.
2. What law allows me to enforce my protection order in Ontario?
The enforcement of protection orders across Canada is made possible by laws like the federal Enforcement of Canadian Judgments and Decrees Act and Ontario's Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act. These laws create a legal framework for courts in one province to recognize and enforce the orders of another.
3. What do I need to prove to get my order enforced?
You don't need to re-prove your entire case. The main things you need to show the Ontario court are that you have a certified copy of the original order and that the order is still active and valid in the province where it was first made.
4. Do I need a lawyer to register my out-of-province order?
While you can complete the process on your own, legal situations can be complex. It is always a good idea to get advice from a family lawyer or a community legal clinic to ensure your paperwork is filed correctly and your rights are protected.
5. What if I am in immediate danger before my order is registered?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Explain the situation and show the police the protection order you have from the other province. While it's not yet registered in Ontario, it still provides the police with important context about the risk and history of abuse.
6. What is the main form I need to file in Ontario?
The primary form you need to file to start the registration process at an Ontario family court is Form 8A: Application (General). You will attach your certified out-of-province order to this application.
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