We are frequently asked to 'commission' or 'notarize' documents that a client will bring in so they can swear an oath that the contents of the document are true.  Our receptionist will be able to put you in contact with one of our commissioners who will assist you in determining if you require a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits or a Notary Public.  If the document requires a Notary Public then an appointment will be required with either Mr. Day or Mr. Borg.

When you bring your document(s) in to be either Commissioned or Notarized, our staff must then verify your identity and after satisfaction of the genuineness of your signature, they will administer the oath or solemn declaration.  We do not certify that the content of the declaration is true but only that your signature was witnessed and that the oath or solemn declaration was administered properly.

Examples of when you would need a Statutory Declaration filled out would be; a lost or stolen passport, lost or stolen identification, unauthorized use of a credit card or debit card or a travel letter.  Some major lenders, government offices and financial institutions will supply you with the documents you will need to bring in with you.  DO NOT SIGN THESE DOCUMENTS until you arer instructed to do so and in the presence of one of our Commissioners.

Affidavit

An affidavit is the written equivalent of giving oral evidence under oath by the "deponent", who is the person who makes the affidavit. It is a written description of facts. The affidavit is sworn or solemnly declared to be true.  An affidavit is usually made in the context of court proceedings.  Hearsay evidence is allowed as long as the source of the deponent's information is identified, and the deponent takes an oath that he/she believes the evidence is true.

Statutory Declaration

A declaration made in a prescribed form before a justice of the peace, notary public, or other person authorized by to administer an oath. It 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.

Notarized Copy/Certified Copy

A notarized copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been certified by a Notary Public to be a true and accurate copy of the original document. A certified copy is similar, but the certification can be completed by a Commissioner as well.

Consent Letter To Travel

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends that if a person younger than 18 is travelling alone or with only one parent or another adult, they have their parents' consent for such travel.  A Notary Public or Commissioner can draft and/or notarize this consent document for you. The consent document is drafted according to the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's recommended specifications and the parent(s) granting consent must attend our office with valid photo identification.  More information can be found here.  

Click on the links below to download Consent To Travel Letters