B.C. LTSA Permits Affidavit Witnessing By Video Conference

In response to the social distancing measures brought about by COVID-19, the British Columbia Land Title and Survey Authority (the "LTSA") issued Practice Bulletin 01-20 Process for Remote Witnessing of Affidavits for use in Land Title Applications (the "practice bulletin") on March 31, 2020.

The directive permits remote-witnessing of affidavits in support of registerable land title instruments via video conferencing, following weeks of feedback from practitioners and the public. The practice bulletin provides a solution for practitioners and their clients who were previously obligated to sign and witness land title instruments in person. The accommodations outlined in the practice bulletin have been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia (the "Law Society") and apply only to B.C. lawyers or notaries representing a client in the transaction.