Affidavits

The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act (Provincial Act) empowers Heads of Council, Municipal Clerks, Deputy Clerks and Treasurers to take various types of declarations, to certify documents and to administer Oaths. A Commissioner's stamp is affixed to the document once the oath has been taken and signatures have been witnessed.

In Ontario, an Oath must be taken before a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits (the Municipal Clerk and Deputy Clerk are designated as Commissioners within our Township).

This service is available during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday). It is requested that those who need the service of a Commissioner call in advance to ensure the availability of the Clerk or Deputy Clerk.

The person swearing or affirming to a document must appear before the Commissioner of Oath. Proper identification (photo ID) such as a valid driver's license, current passport or any other government issued photo identification must be presented as well as the completed affidavit with the exception of the signature. The signing of the affidavit must be completed in the presence of the Commissioner.

Currently, there is no fee charged for this service.

Affidavits that related to work that is NOT done in connection with the business of the municipality may be signed by a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. These affidavits include but are not limited to:

• vehicle transfer forms
• pension forms (some pension plans permit only the Mayor to sign)
• any government related forms
• change of ownership forms
• financial institution forms

We are not able to prepare or edit affidavits, or provide legal advice. Any questions or required assistance in completing the affidavit document should be directed to the agency or party that has requested the form. The Commissioner for Taking Affidavits is not able to counsel or assist a person with completing the affidavit document.

We do not supply blank affidavit forms nor will such affidavit forms be sworn by a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. All affidavit forms being presented for signing must be completed prior to presentation for commissioning excluding the signature of the applicant.

We are not able to notarize documents at the Municipality. A list of Notary Publics and lawyers who notarize documents can be found in your local phone directory.