Statutory Declarations in Alberta: What You Need to Know

If you’re navigating various legal processes in Alberta, you may come across the term “statutory declarations.” A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that you declare to be true in the presence of a commissioner for oaths, notary public, or other authorized individuals.

Understanding the significance, nuances, and applications of statutory declarations in Alberta is crucial for navigating various legal processes with confidence and accuracy.

In this article, we’ll explain what statutory declarations are and how they work in Alberta. We’ll cover the legal framework for statutory declarations, how to create one, the commissioning process, validity and enforcement, and the usage of statutory declarations.

We’ll also discuss notarization and legal advice, professional assistance, and some frequently asked questions. Whether you’re creating a statutory declaration for the first time or you’re a seasoned legal professional, this article will provide you with the information you need to understand and use statutory declarations in Alberta.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Statutory Declarations

If you are navigating the legal system in Alberta, you may come across the term “statutory declaration.” Understanding what a statutory declaration is and how it differs from an affidavit is crucial for navigating various legal processes with confidence and accuracy.

Definition and Purpose

A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that is declared true in the presence of a commissioner for oaths, notary public, or other authorized individuals. It is a legal document that is used to provide evidence of the truth of a statement. Statutory declarations are often required in situations where you need to provide evidence of your identity, residency, or other important facts.

Statutory Declarations vs Affidavits

While both statutory declarations and affidavits are legal documents that are used to provide evidence of the truth of a statement, there are some key differences between the two.

One of the main differences is that a statutory declaration is typically used for non-contentious matters, such as providing evidence of your identity or residency. An affidavit, on the other hand, is typically used in court proceedings or other contentious matters.

Another difference is that a statutory declaration is made under oath, while an affidavit is sworn. This means that a statutory declaration is a solemn declaration of the truth of a statement, while an affidavit is a sworn statement that is made under penalty of perjury.

In summary, a statutory declaration is a legal document that is used to provide evidence of the truth of a statement in non-contentious matters. Understanding the nuances and applications of statutory declarations in Alberta is crucial for navigating various legal processes with confidence and accuracy.

Legal Framework in Alberta

When it comes to statutory declarations in Alberta, there are two main pieces of legislation that govern the process: the Alberta Evidence Act and the Canada Evidence Act. These acts outline the requirements for creating a valid statutory declaration and the consequences of making a false declaration.

Alberta Evidence Act

The Alberta Evidence Act sets out the rules of evidence in Alberta courts. Section 42 of the Act allows for the use of statutory declarations as evidence in court proceedings. In order for a statutory declaration to be admissible, it must be made in compliance with the Act.

Under the Act, a statutory declaration must be signed in the presence of a commissioner for oaths, who must certify that they have administered the oath or affirmation to the declarant. The commissioner must also sign and affix their seal to the declaration. Failure to comply with these requirements can render the declaration inadmissible in court.

Canada Evidence Act

The Canada Evidence Act is a federal law that governs the admissibility of evidence in Canadian courts. Section 18 of the Act allows for the use of statutory declarations as evidence in federal proceedings.

Similar to the Alberta Evidence Act, the Canada Evidence Act requires that a statutory declaration be made in the presence of a commissioner for oaths and be signed and sealed by the commissioner. The Act also sets out the consequences of making a false declaration, including potential criminal charges.

Compliance with both the Alberta Evidence Act and the Canada Evidence Act is crucial when creating a statutory declaration in Alberta. By following the requirements set out in these acts, you can ensure that your declaration is admissible in court and avoid any legal consequences for making a false declaration.

Creating a Statutory Declaration

If you need to create a statutory declaration in Alberta, you must provide certain information and follow specific rules. Here’s what you need to know to create a valid statutory declaration.

Required Information

When creating a statutory declaration, you must include the following information:

In addition to the above, you may also need to provide personal identification to the commissioner for oaths or notary public who will be witnessing your declaration. You can find information about ID requirements for statutory declarations on the Service Alberta website.

Drafting the Document

To create the document, you may use a template or create your own. The document should include a heading that clearly states that it is a statutory declaration. You should also include the required information listed above in a clear and concise manner.

It is important to note that the written statement of fact must be true to the best of your knowledge and belief. Making a false statement in a statutory declaration is a serious offence and can result in legal consequences.

Once you have drafted the document, you must sign it in the presence of a commissioner for oaths, notary public, or other authorized individuals. They will then witness your signature and sign the document themselves.

Creating a statutory declaration can be a straightforward process if you have the required information and follow the rules. By doing so, you can ensure that your declaration is valid and legally binding.

Commissioning Process

If you need to make a statutory declaration in Alberta, you will need to have it commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public. Here’s what you need to know about the commissioning process.

Role of a Commissioner for Oaths

A Commissioner for Oaths is a person authorized by the Alberta government to witness oaths, affirmations, and declarations. They can also take and receive affidavits, affirmations, and declarations in and for Alberta.

To have a statutory declaration commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths, you will need to bring a valid piece of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. The Commissioner will then ask you to swear an oath or make an affirmation that the contents of the statutory declaration are true.

Role of a Notary Public

A Notary Public is a person authorized by the Alberta government to witness and certify documents, including statutory declarations. They can also administer oaths, affirmations, and declarations.

To have a statutory declaration commissioned by a Notary Public, you will need to bring a valid piece of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. The Notary Public will then ask you to swear an oath or make an affirmation that the contents of the statutory declaration are true.

Both Commissioners for Oaths and Notary Publics charge a fee for their services, which can vary depending on the complexity of the document and the time required to commission it.

It’s important to note that Commissioners for Oaths and Notary Publics are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice or legal services. If you require legal advice, you should consult a lawyer.

Commissioning a statutory declaration in Alberta is a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and identification before you go.

Validity and Enforcement

When making a statutory declaration in Alberta, it is essential that you ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the statements you make. Statutory declarations are legal documents that are used to establish legal rights and are made pursuant to the Canada Evidence Act or the Alberta Evidence Act.

Accuracy and Truthfulness

A statutory declaration must be true and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. It is important to note that making a false statement in a statutory declaration can have serious legal consequences. If you are found to have made a false statement in a statutory declaration, you could face imprisonment for up to 14 years under the Criminal Code.

Legal Consequences of False Statements

It is important to understand the legal consequences of making a false statement in a statutory declaration. If you knowingly make a false statement in a statutory declaration, you may be charged with perjury, which is a criminal offence. Perjury is defined as intentionally making a false statement under oath or solemn affirmation.

If you are found guilty of perjury, you could face imprisonment for up to 14 years. In addition to the criminal consequences, making a false statement in a statutory declaration can also have serious consequences in civil proceedings. If you make a false statement in a statutory declaration, you may be liable for any damages that result from your false statement.

In summary, it is important to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the statements you make in a statutory declaration. Making a false statement in a statutory declaration can have serious legal consequences, including imprisonment and civil liability.

Usage of Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration is a legal document used to declare facts to be true. It is a written statement made under oath or affirmation, declared before a person authorized by law to administer oaths, such as a lawyer, notary public, or commissioner of oaths. In Alberta, statutory declarations are commonly used in various situations, such as when an individual has lost identification documents or when there is a need to verify personal information.

Common Applications

Statutory declarations are commonly used in Alberta in the following situations:

Verification of Personal Information

A statutory declaration can also be used to verify personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and address. This can be useful when:

In summary, statutory declarations are a useful legal tool for declaring facts to be true. They are commonly used in Alberta in various situations, such as when there is a need to verify personal information or when important documents are lost. By understanding the common applications and verification of personal information, you can ensure that you use statutory declarations effectively and efficiently.

Notarization and Legal Advice

When it comes to statutory declarations in Alberta, notarization is an important step. A notary public or commissioner for oaths is authorized to witness and certify statutory declarations. It is important to note that notarization does not replace the need for legal advice.

Seeking Legal Advice

If you are unsure about the legal implications of the information you are declaring, it is always recommended to seek legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand the legal consequences of the information you are declaring and ensure that you are not inadvertently making false statements.

Notarization Outside of Alberta

If you need to have a statutory declaration notarized outside of Alberta, it is important to check the requirements of the jurisdiction where you are having the document notarized. Not all jurisdictions recognize the role of notaries public or commissioners for oaths in the same way. You may need to find a notary public or other authorized individual in the jurisdiction where the document is being signed.

It is also important to note that a notarized document from outside of Alberta may require additional authentication before it can be used in Alberta. The authentication process is intended to ensure that the document is genuine and has been properly notarized according to the laws of the jurisdiction where it was signed.

In summary, notarization is an important step in the statutory declaration process in Alberta. However, it is not a replacement for legal advice. If you are unsure about the legal implications of the information you are declaring, it is always recommended to seek legal advice. If you need to have a statutory declaration notarized outside of Alberta, you may need to find a notary public or other authorized individual in the jurisdiction where the document is being signed and ensure that the document is properly authenticated before it can be used in Alberta.

Professional Assistance

When it comes to creating a statutory declaration in Alberta, it’s important to ensure that it is done correctly. To do so, you may want to consider seeking professional assistance from a lawyer, solicitor, or attorney general. In this section, we’ll explore some of the options available to you.

Choosing a Lawyer or Notary

If you’re looking for legal advice or representation, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer or notary public. Lawyers are legal professionals who can provide legal advice and represent you in court. Notaries public, on the other hand, are authorized to witness and certify documents, including statutory declarations.

When choosing a lawyer or notary public, it’s important to ensure that they are licensed to practice law in Alberta. You may also want to consider their experience and expertise in dealing with statutory declarations.

Commissioners and Legal Services

Another option for creating a statutory declaration is to seek assistance from a commissioner for oaths or legal services provider. Commissioners for oaths are authorized to witness and certify documents, including statutory declarations. Legal services providers, on the other hand, may offer a range of legal services, including assistance with creating statutory declarations.

When choosing a commissioner for oaths or legal services provider, it’s important to ensure that they are authorized to provide these services in Alberta. You may also want to consider their experience and expertise in dealing with statutory declarations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the necessary steps to complete a statutory declaration in Alberta?

To complete a statutory declaration in Alberta, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Write down the facts that you want to declare as true.
  2. Find a commissioner for oaths, a notary public, or another authorized individual to witness your declaration.
  3. Present a valid piece of government-issued identification to the witness.
  4. Sign the statutory declaration in the presence of the witness.
  5. Have the witness sign and stamp the statutory declaration.

Who is authorized to witness a statutory declaration in Alberta?

In Alberta, a statutory declaration can be witnessed by a commissioner for oaths, a notary public, or another authorized individual. These individuals have the legal authority to administer oaths and affirmations, and to witness and certify the signing of documents.

Where can I find a template for creating a statutory declaration in Alberta?

You can find a template for creating a statutory declaration in Alberta on the Alberta Queen’s Printer website. The template provides a standard format for declaring the truth of a statement or fact.

Can a statutory declaration be used for proof of identity in Alberta, and what is the procedure?

A statutory declaration cannot be used as proof of identity in Alberta. However, it can be used to declare the truth of a statement or fact. If you need to prove your identity, you will need to provide a valid piece of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.

What distinguishes a statutory declaration from an affidavit within the context of Canadian law?

A statutory declaration and an affidavit are both written statements of fact that are declared to be true. However, a statutory declaration is made in the presence of a commissioner for oaths, a notary public, or another authorized individual, while an affidavit is made in front of a lawyer or a judge. Additionally, a statutory declaration is used for non-court purposes, while an affidavit is used for legal proceedings.

Is there a cost associated with obtaining a statutory declaration in Alberta, or can it be done for free?

There may be a cost associated with obtaining a statutory declaration in Alberta, depending on where you go to have it witnessed. Some commissioners for oaths and notaries public may charge a fee for their services. However, there are also some organizations that provide statutory declaration services for free, such as some legal aid clinics. It is best to check with the individual or organization providing the service to determine whether there is a fee.