Legal context:
- Certain CCDC documents require the submission of a statutory declaration (i.e. CCDC 9), with the execution of the form and solemn declaration by the declarant needing to be done before a commissioner of oaths, a notary public, or a justice of the peace.
- In most Provincial jurisdictions across Canada, the commissioning of a statutory declaration can be done virtually, rather than in person, provided the requirements of the jurisdiction applicable to virtual commissioning are followed.
- Only the Territories expressly do not allow virtual commissioning. Nova Scotia does not have rules permitting virtual commissioning and advice should be sought about the availability of virtual commissioning in that Province.
- Digital signatures of contracts and other documents are accepted in the Provinces and Territories.
The process for commissioning on SignaSur is as follows. . . .
The declarant:
A declarant can accumulate multiple CCDC 9's in their inbox before meeting with a commissioner of oaths. Whether they arrange for a virtual commissioning in a video-conference and screenshare or in person at the commissioner's office, the process is essentially the same.
- The declarant opens their inbox and clicks the received "Review and Sign" email prompt, which opens their default web browser:
The relevant field is highlighted on the Adobe Sign web interface. Clicking it will bring up the signing window.
- The declarant has a choice of typing in a signature, uploading a pre-saved scanned image of their signature, or drawing with their mouse pointer or (if on a phone or tablet) finger.
NOTE: If mouse-signing proves awkward for either party, the "Mobile" option sends them an SMS text message for a link to a mobile-friendly signing window where they may sign with their finger, which populates the original signing field accordingly:
- Back at the signing window, click "Done":
- Back on the CCDC 9 signing page, press "Click to Sign to submit it:
- You will get a "You've signed successfully" confirmation message on screen. You may close the browser and move on to the next statutory declaration signing:
Meanwhile, the commissioner will receive their signing prompt within minutes. . . .
The commissioner:
The person commissioning the statutory declaration can either wait for the declarant to sign multiple CCDC 9's and swear their solemn declaration for each with proof of ID (according to the applicable jurisdictional requirements) or can proceed with commissioning the first declarant-signed one, signing in parallel for faster flow.
NOTE: It is up to the commissioner how they receive and schedule commissioning requests. A declarant must already know the name and email address of the commissioner with whom they have made arrangements when they specify them while drafting the CCDC 9.
- Within minutes of the declarant signing, the commissioner similarly receives a "Review and Sign" email prompt, which similarly opens in their default web browser, the appropriate fields highlighted:
- Among the fields a commissioner must fill in, there is an optional stamp field. The commissioner can click it to upload a digital .png or .jpeg of their official stamp:
- Adobe Sign requires a corroborating name typed in to accompany the stamp file. Click "Apply" when ready:
- Fill in the remaining jurat fields and the e-signature field, which has the same signing options as the declarant had:
- Once submitted, the "You've signed successfully" confirmation appears. The commissioner may then proceed to subsequent declarations or is otherwise done:
Both signing parties will receive a completed agreement email with PDF attachment:
The PDF bears both signatures and all filled fields, including a "Final Audit Report" page with the signing trail and date / time of each: