The Town of LaSalle offers Commissioner of Oaths services for documents such as affidavits and statutory declarations. The Commissioners for Taking Oaths and Affidavits Act, 1990 allows for certain municipal officials such as Municipal Clerks and their designates to act as Commissioner of Oaths.

A Commissioner of Oaths is not the same as a Notary Public. If your document requires the signature of a Notary Public or you require certified true copies of a document, then you will need to contact a lawyer or Notary Public, as the Town does not provide these services.

Requirements  

The person(s) taking the the oath (swearing the contents of the document are true) must:

  1. Present an original piece of government issued photo identification. Copies of identification are not acceptable.
  2. Sign the document in front of the Commissioner after the oath or affidavit has been administered. The document must be completely filled out prior to signing.
  3. Pay the $10.00 fee. The fee is payable by cash, debit, cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to "Town of LaSalle".
Important Notes
  • The Commissioner of Oaths is not responsible for the content of the affidavit. It is the responsibility of the deponent (signer) to understand and verify the contents of the affidavit.
  • Documents that are in any language other than English will not be commissioner as we are unable to validate the information contained in the affidavit. 
  • The Commissioner of Oaths has a right to refuse to commission any document that is presented by a member of the public.
Appointments 

Appointments are not required but are preferred. Scheduling an appointment also helps us to confirm whether or not we are able to commission your document. Call the Council Coordinator at 519-969-7770 ext. 1262 to book an appointment.

The Commissioner of Oaths will not certify copies of identification (passports, drivers licences, etc.)

 What types of documents may a Commissioner of Oaths sign?
The Commissioner of Oaths is authorized to sign documents, at their discretion, that include but are not limited to the following:
  • Child travel consent letter
  • Pension plan documents
  • Insurance proof of loss forms
  • Vehicle transfers
  • Residency declarations
  • Change or proof of vehicle ownership
  • Statutory declarations on government-related forms

What types of documents will a Commissioner of Oaths not sign?
The Commissioner of Oaths will not sign documents related to the following:
  • Wills, “Living Wills”, Codicils to Wills, Trust documents or Estate Settlement documents
  • Power(s) of Attorney documents including any document that is to be executed by an individual acting in their capacity as a Power of Attorney
  • Divorce, Separation, Cohabitation or Custody documents
  • Documents relating to debt
  • Real Estate related documents
  • Declaration of Claimant and Identity
  • Declaration for Replacement of Shares
  • Statutory Declaration for Progress payment
  • Holdback Security Deposits
  • Statement of Arrears
  • Tender documents
  • Any such other documents that the Commissioner of Oaths acting reasonably is not satisfied meets the specifications for the taking of an Affidavit
  • Documents that require to be certified 'true copies'
  • Documents that require the signature of a Notary Public

What will the Commissioner of Oaths do as part of the commissioning process?
  • Verify the identification (valid Canadian government issued photo identification) and the signature of a person signing the document
  • Ensure that the person signing the document is of sound mind at the time of the signature and there is no threat or coercion
  • Ensure that the document is signed in the presence of the Commissioner of Oaths
  • Satisfy the genuineness of the signature of the deponent or declarant and shall administer the oath or declaration in the manner required by law before signing the jurat or declaration.  The jurat states who signed the document, where, when and before whom it was signed.

What will a Commissioner of Oaths not do as part of the commissioning process?

The Commissioner is not responsible for any content of the document and does not provide legal advice, preparation or editing of affidavits, assistance, counselling or interpretation services to the testifier when completing their documents and shall not  commission documents that are in any other language(s) other than English, as the information being sworn cannot be validated.

What is a "jurat"?
A jurat states who signed the document, where and when and before whom it was signed.

 

A common form of jurat: 

Sworn (or Affirmed or Declared) before me at the (City, Town, etc.) of ..................... in the (County, Regional Municipality, etc.) of ....................., on (date).

 

………………………………………………………

Commissioner for Taking Affidavits

(Signature and Stamp of Commissioner of Oaths)