Can a parent without decision-making authority still get school and medical records?

Generally yes. Under the Divorce Act and Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act, a parent who does not have decision-making responsibility is usually still entitled to receive information about the child — including school reports, medical records, and extracurricular updates — unless a court order specifically restricts this.

Schools and healthcare providers in Ontario are generally required to provide information to both parents unless there is a court order saying otherwise. If you are being denied information from your child's school or doctor, you can contact them directly and provide a copy of any parenting order or agreement that confirms your right to receive it.

If your co-parent has directed a school or healthcare provider to withhold information and there is no court order supporting that direction, you can bring a motion to clarify or enforce your information rights. Courts take seriously the idea that children benefit from both parents being engaged and informed.

If there is a safety reason — for example, disclosure of your address could create a risk — courts can restrict what information is shared and how. Speak with a lawyer if you believe your information rights are being wrongly withheld.