May 19, 2020 – Following consultation with the British Columbia Notaries Association and other groups, the Provincial Government has today announced that legal professionals can ‘remotely witness signatures’ of clients unable to attend a Notaries office in person.
These measures relate to Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Representation Agreements, and will help ensure the public have continued access to legal support in order to ensure their wishes are carried out.
The ongoing public health crisis have people taking stock of how prepared they would be if they contracted a serious illness. These measures now allow Notaries across British Columbia to utilize video conferencing services to reach out and ensure vulnerable members of the public or those in care can be reached.
In person services and legal representation still remain available. Notaries provide a provincially designated essential service and have adapted their offices and services to help keep their clients, community, staff and themselves safe.