Document Commissioning

The Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act allows Municipal Clerks and other Officials (also known as Commissioner of Oaths) to take various types of declarations and to administer oaths. The authority of Commissioners of Oaths is limited, and Commissioners are not authorized to swear affidavits for private businesses or personal affairs. The Commissioner of Oaths will not assist with the completion of the affidavit or provide legal advice.

Commissioning is done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Oaths. If a Commissioner of Oaths is uneasy about the identity of the person signing or the content of the document for any reason, the Commissioner of Oaths reserves the right to refuse to sign the document and the declarant will be referred to a lawyer.

Please note that the Township of North Huron does not have a Notary Public on staff.  For notary services, please contact a lawyer or Notary Public.

The Council of the Township of North Huron adopted a Document Commissioning Policy in 2024 to standardize the process and types of documents that can and cannot be commissioned by Township staff. 

Documents Commissioning Process

Members of the public may request commissioning of documents whereby one is required to take an oath, affirmation or declaration in front of a Commissioner.  Our Commissioners of Oaths will witness the signature of people who are affirming/swearing the contents of a document to be true.  If you are seeking these services, you must visit the North Huron Municipal Office in person, with photo identification, during regular business hours.

We strongly recommend you call the Municipal Office before visiting to ensure that one of the Commissioner of Oaths are available.  There is a monetary charge for services as established by Council in the North Huron Fees and Charges by-law. Please contact the Municipal Office for more information.  

In order for a Commissioner to sign your document, the request for the Commissioner of Oaths service must be made by the same individual who will be taking the oath and signing the document. The person making the oath, often called the declarant, must be present, must have valid government issued photo identification, and the document must not be signed by the declarant until they are in front of the Commissioner.