Digital Signature and Electronic Seal Technology to be Made Available in Spring

In the September/October 2007 issue of Innovation, members were introduced to Digital Signature and Electronic Seal Technology. APEGBC will be partnering with Notarius Inc to offer the Digital Signature and Electronic Seal technology to members, and will be the second Canadian jurisdiction to use this system.  It is anticipated that this technology will be available in late spring.

Founded in 1996, Notarius has developed and managed public key infrastructure (PKI) technology for professional bodies, government, financial institutions and private companies.  Some of the professional bodies include Quebec engineers, notaries, land surveyors, appraisers and others.

The use of the digital signature and electronic sealing technology will allow APEGBC members to electronically preserve, transmit and sign electronic documents, files or e-mails to clients, owners, municipalities and others, thus increasing the efficiency of business processes and service to clients.  For APEGBC members, this may result in reduced costs for printing, delivery, staff time and storage.           

The following simple process will allow members in good standing to benefit from this technology:

  • Fill in a request form.
  • Sign the request form in the presence of another member in good standing or Notary.
  • Forward your request form, required documentation and payment information to APEGBC.

Following receipt of the request, APEGBC will verify the membership status of both the member making the request and the individual who has witnessed the identity (if using another member in good standing) and will grant Notarius permission to issue an official APEGBC digital signature and electronic seal.  It is important to note that APEGBC will only be providing the infrastructure for use of digital signatures and electronic seals and will not mandate members to either electronically seal documents or to accept such documents.

This new technology will be of great benefit to APEGBC members as it facilitates adherence to the Engineers and Geoscientist Act, which requires members to apply their signature and seal to their designs and documents.  In addition, it offers enhanced protection to the public as the Notarius system guarantees authenticity.  Notarius supplies a digital image of the member’s seal with a green check mark confirming that the member is, in fact, licensed to practice by APEGBC, or a red X if there is an issue with the practice or membership status of the member.

Members will be notified when the service is available in the spring.