Office Operation Updates
Feb 4, 2025
Certificate of Excellence
I am thrilled to share the exciting news that I have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence for an incredible six years in a row, spanning from 2020 to 2025! This prestigious recognition places me among the top 3 notary public services in North Vancouver.
This prestigious recognition, awarded by ThreeBestRated, is a result of a meticulous evaluation encompassing customer reviews, ratings…
Nov 4, 2024
New Changes to First Nations Land Registration in BC
Recent amendments to British Columbia’s Property Law Act and Land Title Act are breaking down barriers for First Nations in land registration. Effective May 21, 2024, these changes allow First Nations to register land directly in their own names—just like individuals and corporations—without needing proxies like development corporations.
Key Changes
First Nations can now acquire, hold, a…
Oct 24, 2024
Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rate to 3.75%
The Bank of Canada has reduced its key interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 3.75%. This move aims to support the economy amid declining inflation and steady GDP growth. For homeowners and buyers, the rate cut could mean lower mortgage rates and increased activity in the housing market.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or refinancing, this change may present new opportu…
Oct 4, 2024
Increased Climate Action Tax Credit: What It Means for B.C. Families
As British Columbia continues to combat climate change, the province has increased the Climate Action Tax Credit to provide more financial support to low- and moderate-income families. Starting from July 5, 2024, over two million families and individuals began receiving higher payments directly in their bank accounts.
Why the Increase Matters With the increasing impact of climate change, in…
Sep 4, 2024
Understanding B.C.’s New Pay Transparency Reporting Requirements: What Employers Need to Know
In May 2023, British Columbia passed the Pay Transparency Act, marking a significant change in how employers must report gender pay gaps. To assist with this transition, the B.C. government has introduced an online pay transparency reporting tool designed to streamline the reporting process.
What is the Pay Transparency Reporting Tool?
The pay transparency reporting tool is an online re…
Aug 20, 2024
Ongoing Litigation and Implications for Notaries
The recent developments surrounding the Legal Professions Act (S.B.C. 2024, c. 26) have raised important questions within the legal community. As a notary public, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes and understand how they might affect your practice.
In June 2024, the Law Society of British Columbia sought an injunction to pause the implementation of the transitional provisio…
Jun 20, 2024
The Importance of Notary Services in Your Canadian Immigration Journey Through Express Entry
While the Express Entry System offers a path to Canadian residency for skilled workers, navigating the legalities can be complex. This is where a notary public can become your trusted partner. This blog post will explore the Express Entry System and highlight how a notary can support your application.
Understanding the Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is a merit-based program…
May 4, 2024
BC NDP Announces New Tenant Protections, Landlord Group Says Measures Will Hurt Renters in the Long Run
The BC NDP announced new legislation on April 2nd, 2024, aimed at increasing tenant protections in the province. However, the LandlordBC, a group representing landlords in British Columbia, is critical of the announcement, saying it lacks measures to support landlords and could worsen the housing crisis in the long term.
The new measures include:
Prohibiting landlords from charging extra…
Apr 20, 2024
Protecting Your Real Estate Transactions from Title Fraud
In recent times, the real estate industry has seen a significant rise in title fraud, affecting everyone from homeowners to industry professionals. With fraudsters employing increasingly sophisticated techniques, it’s become crucial for both buyers and sellers to be vigilant. Stewart Title has been at the forefront of combating this issue by educating the industry on detection and prevention st…