Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario, licensed paralegals are permitted to provide legal services in areas including:

• Small Claims Court (civil disputes involving money or property within the court’s monetary limit)
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) matters
• Provincial Offences matters (such as traffic tickets and by-law offences)
• Administrative tribunals, including:
  • Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB / WSIAT)
  • Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT)
• Certain criminal matters, specifically summary conviction offences where permitted by law

Paralegals may assist by:

• Representing clients at hearings and proceedings
• Preparing legal documents and applications
• Providing legal information and advice within their authorized areas
• Guiding clients through legal processes and procedures

Paralegals provide accessible and cost-effective legal services and must meet the professional standards set by the Law Society of Ontario. 

Please note: Paralegals can only provide services within their authorized scope of practice. For matters outside this scope, a lawyer may be required.

While self‑representation is permitted, the LTB process still requires careful attention to forms, timelines, and evidence. Even small errors such as submitting the wrong form, missing required documents, or failing to follow proper procedures can result in delays or require you to restart the process.

Working with a licensed paralegal can help ensure that:

• Your applications and notices are completed accurately
• All required documents and evidence are properly prepared and organized
• Deadlines and procedural requirements are met
• Your case is clearly presented at the hearing

At Noukta Legal Services, we handle the legal work on your behalf and keep you informed throughout the process, so you can proceed with confidence.

Common matters handled by the LTB include:

• Evictions and termination of tenancy
• Non-payment of rent and rent arrears
• Rent increases and above guideline rent increases (AGI)
• Maintenance and repair issues
• Tenant rights issues, such as harassment, illegal entry, or failure to provide services
• Landlord applications, including own use or purchaser’s use
• Tenant applications, including rent abatements or complaints against landlords

The LTB also handles disputes related to the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants throughout the tenancy. For more information, you can visit https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/

Their role includes witnessing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, and certifying that copies of documents are true and accurate. A notary public also confirms the identity of the person signing a document and ensures that the document is valid, which helps reduce the risk of fraud. 

The key difference is that a Notary Public has broader authority. In addition to the powers of a Commissioner of Oaths, a Notary Public can also:

• Certify that copies of documents are true copies of the original
• Notarize documents (often required for use outside Canada)
• Verify the authenticity of signatures and documents

A Commissioner of Oaths, on the other hand, is limited to administering oaths and witnessing sworn statements, such as affidavits. For more information, please check the following link: http://Law Society of Ontario – Commissioner vs. Notary Overview

Documents that require notarization instead of commissioning cannot be completed remotely. These include:

• Certified true copies of original documents
• Documents intended for use outside Canada
• Documents that require a notary’s seal or authentication

The Notaries Act does not permit remote notarization, as it requires notaries to be physically present with the individual signing the document to witness the signatures and certify the document. There are currently no regulations allowing notarization to be completed remotely, so these services must be done in person. http://Law Society of Ontario – Notice on Online Notary Services

It is also important to note that even when remote commissioning is permitted, the receiving organization may require in‑person commissioning or notarization, so it’s best to confirm their requirements in advance.