Oaths and solemn affirmations — your choice, identical weight
Swearing on a religious text or making a solemn affirmation — both carry identical legal weight. It's entirely your choice, and you'll never be asked to explain why.
Administering an oath or affirmation is the core function of the role, and it's the moment that actually makes a document legally binding. Peggy asks you a short, formal question — do you swear that the contents of this document are true, or do you solemnly affirm it — and you answer aloud before signing.
You choose which. An oath is sworn on a religious text; an affirmation is a secular promise with no religious element. Alberta law treats them as exactly equivalent, and the consequences of a false statement are identical either way. You will never be asked to justify your choice, and Peggy defaults to offering both.
It sounds like a formality. It isn't — a document signed without the oath properly administered can be rejected by the office receiving it, which is one of the more frustrating reasons paperwork bounces back.
You probably need this if…
- Your document needs to be "sworn" but you'd prefer not to swear religiously
- You've been appointed to a position that requires an oath of office
- A translator is involved and their oath needs administering too
- You're not certain what the oath actually commits you to
How to prepare
Every appointment needs the same three things — valid government photo ID, your document filled in, and an unsigned signature line. For this service, add the following:
- 1If you want to swear on a specific religious text, bring it — Peggy doesn't carry every one, and using your own is entirely normal.
- 2If you'd rather affirm, simply say so. No explanation required, and nothing on the document records which you chose.
- 3Where an interpreter is involved, they take their own oath first, and they should be independent rather than a family member wherever possible.
Oaths & Affirmations
Questions about this specifically
Is an affirmation weaker than an oath?
No. Alberta's legislation gives a solemn affirmation exactly the same legal force as a sworn oath, including the same penalties for a false statement. Choose whichever sits right with you.
Do I have to say the words out loud?
Yes — the oath or affirmation has to be spoken and answered. It's brief, it's the same script every time, and Peggy will walk you through it before anything is signed.
What if English isn't my first language?
The commissioner has to be satisfied that you understand what you're swearing. Bring an independent interpreter who can take an interpreter's oath, and mention this when booking so enough time is set aside.
Often needed alongside this
Affidavits
A written statement you swear or affirm is true. Used any time a court, employer, insurer or government office needs your account of something on the record.
Read moreStatutory Declarations
A formal declaration of fact made outside of court. Alberta Registries, insurers and benefit programs ask for these constantly.
Read moreAll services
Every document type Peggy commissions, plus the published fee schedule.
Need oaths & affirmations handled?
Tell Peggy the document and your postal code, and she'll confirm she's the right person for it — then give you the first available window.