PROFILE OF A BC NOTARY

Second in the Series that Showcases the Winners of the Dr. Bernard W. Hoeter Award for Achieving the Highest Marks on all the Notarial Statutory Examinations BC Notary Harman Virk, Abbotsford

Iwas born in Kamloops in 1975. My family moved to Nanaimo in 1976 where I grew up, together with my brothers Nev and Vick, born in 1977 and 1980. Note: Nev and my dad are BC Notaries!

Nev Virk My dad worked and my mom lovingly raised us.

Like all kids, as the years went by, what I wanted to be changed but I knew my career would be in a business environment.

In 1999, I graduated and decided to become a BC Notary after getting a taste of the profession by working alongside my dad Del Virk at his Notary practice. I still remember meeting with Stan Nicol, thenSecretary of The Society of Notaries Public of BC and a group of Notaries for my application interviews at the old offices of The Society on Granville Street, beside the Birks building.

I was accepted into the Notary program at UBC in 1999. My motivation to get high marks on the six statutory exams to become a BC Notary came from two sources.

One was the influence and guidance of Dad, realizing how hard he had worked to prepare for the exams.

Harman Virk

The other was the fear of failure. I knew at that time in my life that my performance on the exams was a game-changer. I wanted to make certain I passed the exams at all costs, but I was pleasantly surprised that my hard work paid off to the extent that I won the prestigious Dr. Bernard W. Hoeter Award!

The important phone call came from Wayne Braid, our current CEO/ Secretary, congratulating me and telling me I passed all six exams. I still remember the feeling of excitement and sense of relief. I did not know about the award until the Grad Luncheon presentation following the new Notaries’ installation ceremonies at the Vancouver Courthouse.

I was commissioned as a BC Notary on June 7, 2001. A lot of credit must be given to the instructors who played a big part in my success—Bob Reid, Stan Nicol, Rick Evans, Marny Morin, Tony DuMoulin, and Dad. Dad was my mentor at his practice for over 2 years. That gave me a tremendous advantage when I opened my own business.

Bob Reid Stan Nicol Rick Evans

Marny Morin

Tony DuMoulin Del Virk

I chose to open my office in Abbotsford. At that time—before TILMA1 was enacted, there was a limit on the number of Notary Seals and Notary Districts permitted in the province. My home is in Surrey but no

Seal was available there so I expanded my search to Abbotsford where a Seal was available. Because of TILMA— the ground-breaking accord between the Governments of Alberta and British Columbia, there are now no limits on Notary Seals or on the number of BC Notaries who may practise in British Columbia.

I enjoy the profession entirely— meeting and interacting with clients, listening to their stories, and helping them with their needs. I also enjoy my office environment and my wonderful staff. We strive to achieve success as a group and we like working together.

Outside the office, it’s family first with my wife Simrita, boys Savin, 9, and Vanik, 3. We are a passionate hockey family, constantly on the ice. I play 3 times a week. Savin plays a whole lot more—there’s not enough time or space here to explain how much!) and Vanik has started skating lessons this year.

Most important to me are my

My Office in Abbotsford

Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement

I enjoy the profession entirely—meeting and interacting with clients, listening to their stories, and helping them with their needs.

family and our health! s

My sons Savin and Vanik