Commissioner for Oaths Services
The Town of High River provides Commissioner for Oaths services for eligible documents intended for use within Alberta. Under Alberta's Notaries and Commissioners Act, a Commissioner for Oaths is authorized to:
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Administer oaths and affirmations.
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Take and receive affidavits and statutory declarations.
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Attest that an oath, affidavit, affirmation, or declaration was properly made.
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Witness signatures on eligible documents intended for use in Alberta.
A Commissioner for Oaths does not verify the accuracy or truthfulness of the information contained in a document and cannot provide legal advice regarding its contents.
Before you come in, ensure that you:
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Have read and understood the document.
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Understand what you are swearing or affirming to be true.
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Have completed the document as required.
Do not sign the document in advance. All signatures must be made in the presence of the Commissioner for Oaths.
Documents We Can Sign at Town Hall & FCSS
The Town can commission documents at Town Hall (309B Macleod Trail SW) and Family and Community Support Services (251 9 Ave SW). These documents include:
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Affidavits: written sworn statements used in legal proceedings or administrative processes.
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Statutory Declarations: formal legal declarations stating something is true as if made under oath.
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Pension and Insurance Documents: verification forms required by the provider.
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Name Change or Residency Applications: local administrative verifications.
Whether a document can be commissioned depends on the requirements of the document and the legislation that applies to it. If you are unsure whether the Town can provide the service, contact us at 403.652.2110.
Documents We Cannot Sign
The Town does not provide Commissioner for Oaths services for the following types of documents:
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Wills
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Powers of attorney
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Personal directives
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Federal immigration documents
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Documents intended for use outside Alberta, including documents for another province, territory or country
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Documents related to child custody
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Documents involving a child leaving Canada
If your document requires notarization, certification of a true copy, or is intended for use outside Alberta, you will need to contact a Notary Public.
Identification Requirements
The person requesting Commissioner for Oaths services must attend in person and provide one original piece of valid, government-issued photo identification.
Your identification must include your photograph and your signature. Examples include a valid driver's licence, Alberta identification card, or passport. Photocopies and other forms of identification will not be accepted.
The Commissioner for Oaths cannot provide the service if proper identification is not provided.
Commissioner for Oaths vs. Notary Public
A Commissioner for Oaths and a Notary Public have different responsibilities and powers.
Commissioner for Oaths
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Administers oaths and affirmations.
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Takes affidavits and statutory declarations.
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Provides services for eligible documents intended for use in Alberta.
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Cannot certify documents as true copies.
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Cannot act as a Notary Public.
Notary Public
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Has broader authority than a Commissioner for Oaths.
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Can provide notarization services and certify true copies.
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Can assist with documents that require notarization or are intended for use outside Alberta, where applicable.
The Town provides Commissioner for Oaths services only.