Apostille (legalization of documents)

A deal with a party abroad may need Canadian documents certified so a foreign authority will accept them. Ontario’s government lists corporate powers of attorney among the public documents an apostille can cover. Global Affairs Canada says the Convention removes the legalization requirement for documents going to a member country and replaces it with a single apostille. This foreign-party question is separate from whether the deal itself is allowed.

Who issues it

Global Affairs Canada says the competent authorities in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan issue apostilles for documents issued or notarized in those provinces. In Ontario, Official Documents Services is the authority. For a document from anywhere else, start with Global Affairs Canada’s authentication page. A document must have an original, recognized signature, and seal if applicable, and be on paper.

What to check or ask

• Whether the destination country is a member of the Apostille Convention
• Whether the foreign authority will also ask for legalization; Ontario says a consulate or embassy may require it
• Which authority issues the apostille for your document