Commissioner of oaths

What a commissioner does

Commissioners of oaths are empowered under provincial legislation to administer and witness oaths or solemn affirmations when an affidavit is taken, and to witness declarations required under a statute. The person swearing, affirming or declaring is called the deponent or declarant.

A commissioner only certifies that the oath, affirmation or declaration was properly administered. The commissioner does not certify that the statements in the document are true: that remains the deponent's responsibility.

You must attend in person

You must be physically present before the commissioner. The commissioner must be satisfied of your identity and signature before signing, usually by comparing your signature with a piece of ID such as a driver's licence or provincial health card.

Oath, affirmation or declaration

• Oath: "Do you swear that the contents of this affidavit as subscribed by you are true? So help you God."
• Affirmation: if you prefer not to swear an oath, you answer yes to: "Do you solemnly affirm and declare that the contents of this affidavit as subscribed by you are true?"
• Solemn declaration: you declare yes to: "Do you make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath?"