PRESIDENT, BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION

Daniel Boisvert

It began on April 9 when representatives from the Association went to Victoria to meet with the Ministry of Finance to further discus our exemption under the Mortgage Brokers Act. The Ministry acknowledged that changes need to be made in many areas and that a total re-write is likely to occur soon. The Ministry advised us that we would be part of that conversation once they begin working on modernizing the Act.

On May 7, the Association was back in Victoria hosting a lunch for about 50 MLAs to discuss enhancements to our scope of practice under the Notaries Act. I was privileged to speak at the luncheon and to make our case as to why the public would greatly benefit from expanded scope of practice for BC Notaries.

Specifically, I asked for three areas of expansion: Trust Wills for those over 19, probate applications, and incorporations. The lunch presentation was well received. Later in the day, we were able to meet with the Honourable Andrew Wilkinson, leader of the official opposition and separately with the Honourable David Eby, Attorney General. Both meetings had a very positive outcome with David Eby asking us to submit a formal proposal.

Sadly, at the end of May I accepted the resignation of Jacqui Mendes. I wish to thank Jacqui for her tireless efforts to get the Association up and running and to enhance many of the relationships with partner associations such as the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association of British Columbia (CMBA-BC), and the Real Estate Institute of British Columbia (REIBC). You will be missed, Jacqui.

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We have begun discussing the process of bringing in a new CEO. Until that happens, I am pleased to remind everyone that Wayne Braid has offered to assist in the interim until a permanent replacement can be found. Thank you, Wayne!

In June, Rimpy Sadhra spoke to the BC Government’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and advocated for changes to the Mortgage Brokers Act, to give us the same exemption lawyers enjoy, and for enhancements to our scope of practice.

The BC Notaries Association now has about 95 per cent of all Notaries in the province as members and we continue moving toward the 100 per cent mark.

We are building our own website and working to create and establish official branding for the Association.

I look forward to seeing each of you at the September Fall Conference where the membership will hold its inaugural AGM and elect the new Board of Directors. If you are interested in running, please contact Wayne Braid. gwb@society.notaries.bc.ca