BCNA delegates are warmly invited to join us at the Welcome Reception—a fantastic opportunity to connect, network, and explore all the exhibitors’ booths.
Welcome Dinner: Presentation by SFU & SNPBC & BCNA New Notary Recognition
1 CE CREDIT
PACIFIC BALLROOM
DESCRIPTION: Want to take your notary business to the next level and drive real growth in both clientele and revenue? Don’t miss this expert-led panel where top professionals share the insights every notary needs to expand their small business and boost sales. Hear from Richard Johnson, HR Lawyer; Mark Smiciklas, Marketing Strategist; Jeremy Anderson, Tax Accountant and Notary, and Sales Director, Keith Moore as they tackle real-world challenges in HR, marketing, accounting, and—crucially—sales strategies for business growth. Moderated by Pablo Rodridguez, this session blends structured discussion with actionable advice on attracting more clients, maximizing your service offerings, and implementing proven sales techniques—so you’ll leave with strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this panel is your roadmap to small business success. Notaries will have the opportunity to submit questions prior to the session.
2 CE CREDITS
PACIFIC BALLROOM
DESCRIPTION: Step into the courtroom and see a notary under the microscope! This 30-minute session features a live mock cross-examination of a notary regarding an affidavit, designed to highlight common pitfalls and best practices. After the demonstration, the panel will break down what happened, discussing key takeaways, legal considerations, and practical lessons that every notary should know. Gain firsthand insight into how affidavits are scrutinized and how to strengthen your own notarial practices.
1 CE CREDIT
SATURNA BALLROOM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Notaries will be divided into two groups. One group will attend the roundtable session while the other participates in the Cowichan Tribes Decision session. Midway through, the groups will switch, ensuring all attendees take part in both sessions.
DESCRIPTION: Participate in a series of facilitated roundtable discussions offering practical insights into a range of tools, strategies, and emerging issues relevant to notarial practice. Attendees will rotate through multiple topics, engaging with peers and subject-matter experts in focused, interactive discussions.
1 CE CREDIT
WADDINGTON ROOM
CONCURRENT SESSION:
Notaries will be divided into two groups. One group will attend the roundtable session while the other participates in the Cowichan Tribes Decision session. Midway through, the groups will switch, ensuring all attendees take part in both sessions.
DESCRIPTION: Recent court decisions involving Cowichan Tribes have important implications for property law and notarial practice in British Columbia. This session provides BC Notaries with a practical overview of the Cowichan Tribes decision, the legal principles affirmed by the courts, and their relevance to conveyancing, land use, and due diligence.
Participants will review the interaction between Aboriginal rights and title, provincial land interests, and third-party property transactions, with a focus on identifying potential risks and practice considerations. The session is designed to help notaries recognize when heightened awareness or further legal advice may be required and to incorporate these developments into everyday practice in an informed and responsible manner.
Please join us for on Saturday before the start of the Gala dinner for reception drinks
Please join us for on Saturday evening for a night of recognition and celebration!
Please join us for the Afterparty on the rooftop!
Join us to recognize sponsors and exhibitors, where exhibitors will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and thank delegates for visiting their booth.
2 CE CREDITS
PACIFIC BALLROOM
DESCRIPTION: In today’s evolving legal landscape, notaries are increasingly called upon to guide clients through complex personal planning decisions — from drafting airtight wills to creating effective powers of attorney and representation agreements. Yet even experienced practitioners encounter challenges that can lead to costly errors, client misunderstandings, or regulatory issues.
This dynamic education session brings together a Practice Inspector and a seasoned Notary for an honest, practical, and experience-based panel discussion. Together, they share real-life examples, common pitfalls, and the nuanced judgment calls that arise in personal planning and estate documentation.
Participants will gain insight into:
Common errors and compliance deficiencies identified during practice inspections of wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements
Will-drafting and personal planning risk indicators that may result in disputes, invalidity, or regulatory concern
Best practices for client interviewing, capacity assessment, and documentation of intent in personal planning matters
Risk-management, file-management, and workflow practices that support regulatory compliance in daily notarial practice
2 CE CREDITS
PACIFIC BALLROOM
DESCRIPTION: As housing prices rise and lending rules tighten, more families are structuring home purchases creatively. One increasingly common approach is adding a family member to title with 1% ownership to help meet financing requirements. While this method can solve short-term qualification issues, it introduces significant legal, financial, and estate-related complexities that many consumers — and even professionals — misunderstand.
This session explores the new reality of home ownership in a multi-party, hybrid-ownership era. Participants will learn the legal implications, risks, documentation challenges, and the role of Independent Legal Advice (ILA).
Objectives:
- Explain why 1% ownership structures are becoming increasingly common.
- Identify the legal consequences of adding a family member to title with minimal ownership.
- Understand how lenders, insurers, and the law interpret fractional ownership.
- Recognize what happens when a minority owner dies, divorces, or becomes incapacitated.
- Navigate the gap between practical intent and legal reality.
- Know when and why Independent Legal Advice (ILA) is required.
2 CE CREDITS
PACIFIC BALLROOM
DESCRIPTION: Join Hilde Deprez and Peter Bjurman for an interactive session addressing the PAL questions that matter most to you. Questions can be submitted in advance or during the session, and your participation will help shape the discussion. Gain practical insights and real solutions tailored to your needs.
