Land Titles – Video Conferencing to sign documents
Effective April 3, 2020, through a ministerial order, the Government of Alberta is temporarily allowing the registration of document that have been witnessed, sworn or affirmed by Alberta lawyers using two-way teleconferencing platforms.
These new rules are a temporary measure to assist Albertans with self-isolation and social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. These measures will stay in effect for as long as the state of public health emergency remains in effect in Alberta.
There are strict guidelines to be followed for lawyers when witnessing the signing of documents or administering oaths by way of 2-way video-conferencing. These standards are in place to maintain the integrity of this process, to ensure that the authenticity of the documents is protected and to place high standards on the lawyers participating in such appointments.
This is a summary of such safeguards:
- The witnessing, notarizing or commissioning must only be done by a lawyer who is an active member of the Law Society of Alberta
- Lawyers must record the entire transaction and signing of the documents
- Lawyers should obtain the written consent of the client to have the meeting conducted by way of video conference and the recording of the conference
- Lawyers must confirm client identity with appropriate photo ID in the same manner as done for in-person meetings. The ID must be sent to the lawyer prior to the video-conference
- Affidavits must have additional paragraphs inserted indicating that the affidavit was sworn by way of video-conference. Land Titles has provided the wording for such paragraphs to be inserted in the documents.
At Bosecke Law LLP, we are able to assist our clients with video signings to protect the health and safety of our clients, staff and the lawyers. If I you want to learn more or wish us to assist you with your real estate transaction, please contact us at reception@boseckelaw.ca or phone at 780-469-0494