Notarization Services

What is an Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written description of facts that is sworn or solemnly declared to be true. An affidavit is usually made in the context of court proceedings.

What is a Statutory Declaration?

A statutory declaration is similar to an affidavit, except it is usually drafted for purposes other than court proceedings. It is a solemn declaration authorized by the Canada Evidence Act and the Ontario Evidence Act and is used to assert the truth of any fact or facts or of any account rendered in writing. The declaration is of the same force and effect as if made under oath and therefore has value as evidence.

Common Statutory Declarations:

• Statutory declaration of common-law
• Solemn Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Never-Received Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
• Statutory declarations confirming identity
• Statutory declarations confirming a document has been lost or stolen

What is an Oath?

An oath is when a person swears that the contents of a document are true and correct.

What is a Solemn Declaration?

A solemn declaration is when a person solemnly declares that the contents of a document are true and correct.

Important Information:

An oath and a solemn declaration have essentially the same legal effect. The person making the oath or solemn declaration is called a deponent. The act of administering an oath or solemn declaration is called commissioning an oath.

Process:

It is not necessary that the deponent hold a religious book, or raise his/her hand to undertake an oath or solemn declaration.

Legal Implications:

A person may be prosecuted criminally for knowingly making a false oath or solemn declaration.

Verification:

A Commissioner of Oaths must verify the identity of the deponent and satisfy himself or herself of the genuineness of the signature of the deponent and will then administer an oath or solemn affirmation.

What is a Certified True Copy?

A certified or notarized copy of a document is a photocopy that we certify as being a true copy of the original document.

Certification Process:

To have a copy certified, the authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print the following on the photocopy:

• "I certify that this is a true copy of the original document"
• The name of the original document
• The date of the certification
• His or her name
• His or her official position or title
• His or her signature

Who Can Certify Copies in Canada?

In Canada only the following people are authorized to certify copies:

• A commissioner of oaths
• A notary public
• A justice of the peace