BC Notaries Spring Conference 2019

Jacqui Mendes

The conference theme was “Raising the Stakes: Professionalism + Practice.” • The characteristic definition of a profession is an occupation that needs special training or a particular skill, one often respected because it involves a high level of education.

A profession is conducted in the best interests of those it serves and is disciplined by rules of ethical conduct. BC Notaries are legal professionals who study, develop, and apply law to provide noncontentious public services. • Practice can be defined as the actual application of an idea, The conference theme was selected to highlight the importance of continually maintaining and raising professional standards relating to the specifics of BC Notary practice.

belief, or method or to perform an activity or exercise a skill repeatedly or regularly to improve or maintain a person’s proficiency.

The conference theme was selected to highlight the importance of continually maintaining and raising professional standards relating to the specifics of BC Notary practice.

In a climate of increasing regulation and where the digital space has become part of the do-it-yourself landscape, Notaries continue to enhance the skills most valued by the public who need inperson expert legal advice and services.

Reflecting the theme, conference education sessions focused primarily on exploring how BC Notaries can raise and implement professional standards to better serve people across British Columbia. Key education sessions included current hot topics in BC such as the implementation of new real estate taxes including the provincial Speculation and Vacancy Tax and the Empty Homes Tax in the City of Vancouver.

Risk Management continues to be one of the top and most frequently addressed education needs for all areas of Notary practice. Updated information on personal planning services including Wills and Representation Agreements was offered through education sessions on how to interview for estate planning and a review of the Wills and Estate Act that considered undue influence, the definition of a spouse, and what constitutes a valid Will.

Attorney General David Eby giving the conference keynote speech Lawyer Trevor Todd presenting an update on the Wills and Estate Act Lawyer Andrea Frisby presenting on Interviewing for Wills

cle.bc.ca/course-list

BC Notary and lawyer Ron Usher sharing information on Family Transfers, Bare Trusts, and Joint Tenancies

The session also focused on elderly and vulnerable clients through strengthening the evaluation of client competency and social and familial pressures and preparedness to ask difficult questions. The Public Guardian and Trustee of BC made a presentation around the role of assessment and investigation services in allegations of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect, with case examples of concerns about Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements, and trustees.

Notaries are of course businessowners, entrepreneurs, and employers. The landscape has changed over the last 10 years for Notaries managing their practices. Today many Notaries are hiring staff Notaries and partnering with other professionals to grow or ease the workload of a sole practitioner. An education session exploring how to structure practices was offered to delegates.

Social Media Strategist Mark Smiciklas presenting on Social Media for Professionals

Social media engagement is a must for public awareness and information on Notary services; a media specialist was present to answer questions on the best way to go about it. For those Notaries nearing the end of their careers, a session was available to enable them to accurately value their professional practice, understand fair market value, valuation methods, and the importance of transitioning corporate goodwill.

The Honourable David Eby, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey and Attorney General, gave the keynote address outlining current government initiatives including real estate taxes, anti-money-laundering, and changes to ICBC insurance. It was an excellent opportunity to hear firsthand and ask direct questions about provincial policy.

Many of the Notary students undertaking the Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies degree (MA ALS) at Simon Fraser University attended the conference. The MA ALS program is primarily for students intending to practise as Notaries in the Province of British Columbia.

With over 380 practising Notary delegates attending, this was the largest Spring Conference to date. As always, one of the most important ways for professionals to enhance skills is meeting their colleagues in person for mentoring and knowledge exchange. The Conference certainly provided that opportunity. s

Access to Justice for Children Conference – October 21-22

Canadian Elder Law Conference – November 14-15

Administrative Law Conference – November 28

BC Family Practice Manual BC Probate & Administration Practice Manual

email phone toll free custserv@cle.bc.ca 604.893.2121 1.800.663.0437 (in Canada)

The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia