Temporary legal measures that were utilized because of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020 could become permanent fixtures in Saskatchewan’s justice system. The provincial government has put forth legislation that will enable residents to take care of various legal matters remotely, such as allowing lawyers to witness wills, powers of attorney and health care directives and remotely commission other documents. The legislation would also allow citizens to name beneficiaries of particular investments electronically, something that could only previously happen in person.

“These changes improve access to justice and make it easier for members of the public to receive timely legal services,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant. “The pandemic highlighted the need to augment remote options for those in need of legal or financial services. This legislation will further modernize Saskatchewan laws to meet those needs on a permanent basis.”

The changes are to three pieces of legislation, the Miscellaneous Statutes Remote Witnessing Amendment Act I 2021, the Miscellaneous Statutes Remote Witnessing Amendment Act II 2021 and the Queen’s Bench Amendment Act 2021.