By Liam Verster

Commissioner for Taking Affidavits

Vernon councillor has new role verifying affidavits

Feb 15, 2024 | 5:00 AM

Teresa Durning has a new role providing a free service for Vernon and area residents.

The Vernon city councillor and constituency assistant for MP Mel Arnold, is also now a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits for British Columbia.

In her new role, Durning can verify affidavits and statutory declarations, and administer oaths and affirmations.

“It’s a free service out of the MP’s office [3105 29th St.] that we’ll be able to offer and I think it’s a very exciting thing. It will save people a lot of money and a lot of worry to have that office do it versus paying somebody else to do it,” Durning told Vernon Matters, adding the service had been offered for free out of the MP’s office in the past, but she is using her appointment to draw attention to the fact that it is available locally.

Durning went on to explain what affidavits involve.

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“It’s for if you’re say, swearing a document is authentic and true, or if a photograph is authentic and true, or sometimes you have to swear affidavits if you want to submit something to the federal or provincial governments,” Durning said.

“You will get that [document] stamped and the authorization from someone like me saying it’s an authentic and true document.”

She noted the service is not a notary, but instead is just verifying documents.

Durning said being a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits was never something she considered, but an opportunity presented itself for her to take the course and become certified, so she applied.

“I didn’t actually plan on doing this, it was just something that the MP and I discussed it and it was decided that it was something that he would support me doing,” Durning told Vernon Matters.

“So I went ahead and did all the work around making sure I applied and got everything in order for it and did the exam. Then you wait five or six weeks and then they let you know they’re going to grant you an appointment.”

Durning added she has been certified since February 1, but still hasn’t had a chance to do any work in her new role, though is very excited to provide the service to people as soon as possible.