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Review and approval process

Last updated on January 16, 2024

NOTICE:

  1. A new application form (including examination) has now replaced the previous PDF form and examination. See Apply for an appointment.
  2. Effective February 1, 2024, all applications received must use the new form. After January 31, 2024, application packages received using the old form will be returned in the mail, unprocessed. 
  3. No change to the existing 12-week review process. See Review and approval process for more information on processing timelines.
  4. Online payment option is now available. See Appointment fee. If paying online, the application package may be submitted by email. See Apply for an appointment.

Please note that all applications received by the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Program are considered on a case-by-case basis and are assessed against the same program criteria. 

All applications (new or subsequent) are subject to the same review and approval process. 

Submitting an application (with a successfully completed examination and the applicable appointment fee) does not guarantee that an appointment as a commissioner for taking affidavits will be approved, even if you have been appointed as a commissioner in the past.

Processing

The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Program receives numerous applications each month. Applications may take up to 12 weeks to review and process. In certain circumstances (such as incomplete applications), applications may take longer than 12 weeks to review and process. 

An application for a subsequent appointment will not be considered if it is submitted more than 12 weeks (3 months) before the expiration of your current appointment. See Apply for a subsequent appointment for more information.

To avoid delays in processing, follow all instructions on this website carefully when preparing your application and ensure that your package is addressed correctly (see Contact information). See Apply for an appointment and Apply for a subsequent appointment for detailed instructions.

Applications with incomplete, illegible or missing information cannot be processed. Our office may contact you or return your application package if there are issues with your application. Common issues include:

  • Incomplete, illegible or missing information
  • Part 3 - Purpose of Appointment on the application form not completed in enough detail to clearly demonstrate legitimate need to perform commissioner functions as part of existing employment or work with a volunteer organization
  • Examination not successfully completed
  • Application form or examination not signed and dated in all places
  • Missing appointment fee

Review and approval

Applications are reviewed by the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Program and the ministry responsible and assessed against program criteria.

If your application is approved, an appointment order will be mailed to you, which will show the effective and expiry dates of your appointment, as well as any restrictions that may be attached to your appointment.

If your application is declined, your application will be returned to you and any applicable appointment fee refunded or returned (as applicable).

The CFTA lookup tool is updated once a month to reflect new appointments, and can be used to view commissioner appointments (1996-present), including term dates and restrictions.

Restrictions and conditions

Commissioner appointments are subject to the Evidence Act and regulations, and may include restrictions and conditions set by the Attorney General. The term of appointment is 3 years. 

Persons who are commissioners by appointment:

  • Can only provide services relating to their employment or involvement in a volunteer organization
  • Are prohibited from charging fees for providing services, except where the fees are specifically allowed under other statutes
  • Are prohibited from providing commissioner services after the expiry of their appointment term

The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Program does not provide any commissioner services.

Our office cannot provide advice as to whether a particular form or document can be witnessed by a commissioner. Please seek legal advice in such cases.