Electronic signatures in Canada
Ordinary electronic signatures are valid, but a defined higher tier carries stronger legal presumptions and is required for some uses.
Are electronic signatures legal in Canada?
Yes. Electronic signatures are valid, with a defined secure tier required for certain federal purposes.
Recognised signature types
| Type | Standing and typical use |
|---|---|
| Simple electronic signature | Valid for most commercial and employment agreements |
| Secure electronic signature | Required for specified federal documents |
| Certificate-based | Used for government and regulated filings |
Commonly signed electronically
- Employment agreements and offer letters
- Commercial and supplier contracts
- Professional services agreements
- Internal corporate approvals
Generally excluded
- Wills and codicils
- Powers of attorney relating to personal care or property, in several provinces
- Documents transferring an interest in land
- Negotiable instruments
Exclusions differ in detail. Docsliy blocks these at the drafting step rather than producing a document that fails later.
Local formalities
No stamp duty on general contracts. Quebec applies its own framework and language requirements — French versions may be required.
Identity verification
No single national scheme. Provincial and commercial verification methods are used, with document and liveness checks common.
What Docsliy supports in Canada
- Simple and verified tiers
- Common law province clause libraries
- Quebec flagged for separate handling
This is general information, not legal advice.
It describes how electronic signature law generally operates in Canada and is not advice on any specific agreement. Agreements carrying significant risk should be reviewed by qualified local counsel.