Ontario Posts Regulatory Framework for Virtual Commissioning
The Ministry of the Attorney General in Ontario published a proposed regulatory framework for virtual commissioning of documents. This will allow commissioning to be done virtually, without being in the physical presence of the commissioner. The full proposal can be read here.
They are asking for comments to be submitted by July 22 on this proposed framework.
The main elements of the proposal are:
• Allow for virtual commissioning of a document and permit all acts of commissioning to be performed virtually by anyone who would otherwise be authorized to commission in Ontario, if they so choose
• Require that participants can see, hear and communicate with one another in real-time during the transaction
• Require the commissioner to verify the client's identity
• Set out a modified jurat that indicates the document was commissioned virtually and captures the location (city, province) of both the client and commissioner
• Require the commissioner to take reasonable precautions in the execution of his/her duties as a commissioner, such as ensuring that clients are fully informed and understand what they are signing
• Require that a record of every virtual transaction be retained
Commenting on the proposed framework is open until July 22. Be sure to submit your comment here.
