THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
1220 – 625 Howe Street, Box 44, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T6
Telephone: 604.681.4516 Facsimile: 604.681.7258 Toll-Free: 1-800-663-0343
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 10, 2013
BC Notaries Look Forward to Working on Joint Task Force Recommendations; request Expanded Notary Role to Improve Public Access to Legal Services.
Vancouver, BC –
The Society of Notaries Public of BC (BC Notaries) today responded to the Law Society of British Columbia’s unanimous approval in principle of recommendations intended to transform the regulation and delivery of legal services in BC. These recommendations include the Law Society and BC Notaries working together to seek a merger of regulatory operations.
“BC Notaries look forward to working with the Law Society, our members, and the Ministry of Justice in taking the next step to ensure that any merging of regulation continues to offer protection, continued and expanded choice, and improved access to legal services for the public,” said Wayne Braid, Chief Executive Officer of BC Notaries.
Since The Society of Notaries and the Law Society perform similar roles in the regulation of their members, a merging of that regulation into one authority under a renewed Legal Professions & Services Act should be considered, provided the autonomy and distinction of Notaries and lawyers, in their respective professions, are maintained.
With this approval, the Law Society has demonstrated recognition that other providers, in addition to lawyers, can provide legal services to the public and has accepted the recommendation to develop a framework for credentialing and regulating those legal services. That also will serve the public well.
“BC Notaries have asked the provincial government to modernize the Notaries Act, which governs the regulation of Notaries, and to expand the legal services that Notaries can provide into areas such as probating of estates; preparing marriage; separation, and uncontested divorce documentation; incorporating companies; and maintaining corporate records offices,” said Akash Sablok, a Vancouver Notary and President of the BC Notaries.
BC Notaries feel it is appropriate that the legal services offered by Notaries be expanded to other potential areas of law where Notaries will be properly qualified to practise, offering the public greater choice and improved access to affordable legal services through each group of regulated professionals.
BC Notaries have been providing licensed and regulated legal services to British Columbians for over 100 years, providing the public a choice regarding who provides those services.
The mandate of The Society of Notaries Public of BC is to ensure that its members provide the highest standard of Notarial services to the people of British Columbia. The Society represents more than 330 highly trained Notary professionals. Most have locally owned and operated offices and all provide personal assistance to clients around the province.
Individuals, families, and businesses seek the services of BC Notaries for a wide range of noncontentious legal matters, including residential and commercial real estate transfers, mortgage refinancing, Wills and advanced health care planning, powers of attorney, and other important documents.
The Notary’s Tradition of Trust spans 2000 years. Notaries first came to British Columbia over a century ago and they continue to serve their valued clients and their communities across the province.
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Contact
G. W. Wayne Braid, CEO and Secretary
The Society of Notaries Public of BC
604 681-4516
gwb@society.notaries.bc.ca
For more information about BC Notaries and to find a Notary,
please visit www.notaries.bc.ca.
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2013-2014 Board of Directors Elected
BC Notaries Elect 2013–2014 Board of Directors: Continuing Strong Governance and Leadership
October 7, 2013
Vancouver, BC—The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia elected their Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 year at their Annual General Meeting on September 21.
Akash Sablok of Vancouver is the new President. Tammy Morin Nakashima of Richmond and Rhoda Witherly of Prince Rupert are the First and Second Vice Presidents. John Eastwood will continue to serve The Society as the Immediate Past President.
The Full List of Directors
| Akash Sablok, Vancouver Tammy Morin Nakashima, Richmond Rhoda Witherly, Prince Rupert John Eastwood, South Delta Daniel Boisvert, Tsawwassen Philip Kanigan, Castlegar Joan Letendre, Vancouver Lorne Mann, Creston Linda Manning, Prince George |
Daryl McLane, Parksville Filip de Sagher, Vancouver Susan Tong, Vancouver Jessie Vaid, Delta David Watts, Vancouver Rhoda Witherly, Prince Rupert Patricia Wright, Vancouver |
I would like to thank our departing Directors, Susan Davis and Kate Manvell, for their significant contributions to The Society and to welcome our new Director, Daniel Boisvert,” said Wayne Braid, CEO of The Society of Notaries Public of BC.
The Society also recognized George Tanco of Vancouver with an Honorary Life Membership. A member of The Society for over 36 years, George was a Director for 24 years and President from 1994 to 1996. He also served as Chair of the Notary Foundation from 1996 to 1998. In 2004, George was presented the Notary of the Year Award.
“The contribution of George Tanco to the development of the Notary profession in British Columbia is immeasurable. Since his commission in May 1977, George has mentored many Notary students and served as Acting Secretary for many years. George Tanco’s contribution cannot be overstated,” said Braid.
The mandate of The Society of Notaries Public of BC is to ensure that its members provide the highest standard of Notarial services to the people of British Columbia.
The Society of Notaries Public of BC represents more than 330 highly trained Notary professionals. Most have locally owned and operated offices and all provide personal assistance to clients around the province. Individuals, families, and businesses seek the services of BC. Notaries for a wide range of noncontentious legal matters, including residential and commercial real estate transfers, mortgage refinancing, Wills and advanced healthcare planning, powers of attorney, and other important documents.
The Notary’s Tradition of Trust spans 2000 years. Notaries first came to British Columbia over 100 years ago. They continue to serve their valued clients and their communities across the province.
Contact
G. W. Wayne Braid, CEO and Secretary
The Society of Notaries Public of BC
604 681-4516
gwb@society.notaries.bc.ca
For more information about BC Notaries or to find a Notary,
please visit www.notaries.bc.ca.