Lac La Biche County has staff who are appointed as a Commissioner for Oaths by the Government of Alberta Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and in accordance with the Commissioner for Oaths Regulation.
A Commissioner for Oaths is a person who can administer oaths and take and receive affidavits, affirmations, and declarations in and for Alberta. This service is provided at no cost; however, the Commissioner for Oaths reserves the right to refuse this service.
Please call 780-623-1747 or email legservices@laclabichecounty.com to schedule an appointment for this service.
A Commissioner for Oaths:
- Is not a notary public (has all the powers of a commissioner for taking affidavits, and can also verify that signatures, marks and copies of documents are true or genuine). If your paperwork requires a notary public, we are unable to provide this service.
- Is not permitted to commission consent letters for minors travelling abroad.
- Is unable to provide legal advice or direction on how to complete paperwork. If you have questions regarding the paperwork or how to fill it out correctly, you should consult a lawyer.
- Is unable to provide residents with certified true copies. Legislation in Alberta does not provide a commissioner with those powers, even if your paperwork says otherwise. You may wish to inquire at a lawyer’s office to see if this is a service they provide.
- Is unable to commission any passport documentation including federal travel documents (such as a Religious Exemption Request Form).
- Is unable to commission forms that do not contain an oath (a statement of fact or a promise) or jurat (a clause at the foot of an affidavit showing when, where, and before whom the actual oath was sworn or affirmation was made).
- Is only for documents to be used within the Province of Alberta. You will need to see a Notary Public or a Federal Commissioner for Oaths for documents to be used out of Province – even if your paperwork states that a Commissioner for Oaths can administer the Oath.
Please ensure the following prior to your appointment:
- Bring photo identification with you.
- Have your paperwork completed.
- Be prepared to sign all documentation in the presence of the Commissioner for Oaths at the time the oath is given. The Commissioner for Oaths may refuse to administer the oath if it is not signed in their presence.
- Bring any exhibits for your paperwork, if required.
- If your paperwork requires a witness to your signature, your witness must be present with you to complete the Affidavit of Execution. If the Affidavit of Execution stipulates the witness must personally know you, please ensure the witness is someone who is acquainted with you. Your witness should also have identification with them.
- A Commissioner for Oaths is not the same as a witness.
- If you require a translator, it is up to you to bring a person who can translate for you.
The Commissioner for Oaths may document your name, date and name of the document that was commissioned in the event the Commissioner for Oaths is called to give evidence. A copy of the commissioned documents will not be retained on file.
Facebook