In Canada, including the province of Ontario, a notary public, commonly known as a public notary, is a legal professional authorized to perform certain legal functions, primarily related to document certification and authentication. Public notaries play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of documents and ensuring their legal validity. Here are some key rules and regulations related to public notaries in Ontario:

Appointment and Licensing:

Public notaries in Ontario are appointed by the Ministry of the Attorney General. To become a notary public, an individual must meet specific eligibility criteria and complete the necessary application process.

Duties and Functions:

Notaries public in Ontario have various duties and functions, including the authentication and certification of documents, administering oaths and affirmations, and witnessing signatures on legal documents.

Document Notarization:

One of the primary roles of a public notary is to notarize documents. This involves verifying the identity of the person signing the document and ensuring that they are doing so willingly and with full understanding of the content.

Oaths and Affirmations:

Notaries can administer oaths and affirmations, which are solemn declarations that the information provided in a document is true and accurate.

Certified Copies:

Notaries can certify copies of original documents, making them legally equivalent to the original for specific purposes.

Notarial Seal:

Notaries use an official seal or stamp on notarized documents to indicate that the document has been verified and certified by a notary public.

Conflict of Interest:

Notaries must avoid conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality in their notarial functions.

Language Requirements:

Notaries are required to be proficient in both English and French, as they may encounter documents in either language.

Fee Structure:

Notaries are entitled to charge fees for their services, which are subject to provincial regulations.

Notarial Records:

Notaries must maintain proper records of all notarial acts they perform, including details of the parties involved and the nature of the document.

Regulatory Body:

In Ontario, the Society of Notaries Public of Ontario (SNPO) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing notaries public and ensuring their compliance with relevant laws and regulations.