Do You Witness Financial Transaction Documents Remotely?

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Photo ID can no longer be verified by Video conference/Zoom/Teams

 

After January 1, 2024, verification of client ID by video conference will no longer be acceptable.

 

You can still witness documents related to a financial transaction remotely using Zoom, Teams or other video conferencing platforms but you cannot VERIFY the identification of the client remotely by looking at the client’s government issued photo ID on your screen.

 

The real impact of the change will be for lawyers who use the regulations on remote execution of land titles documents as those are financial transactions where client ID must be verified. So, you are going to need to do some planning if you won’t be seeing the client and their ID in person.

 

Other Methods to verify ID where there is no in person meeting

 

There are other options to verify Identity of the client when documents relating to a financial transaction are executed remotely:

 

  1. Previous verification of the ID of the client in person by you or someone else in your office.

 

  1. Verification of the ID of the client by an agent. Send off an agent agreement (sample agreement) to their real estate agent or banker or accountant or other responsible person who can do the verification for you.

 

  1. The credit check method.

 

  1. Use two trusted pieces of information from a reliable source.

 

  1. New – use a DIACC certified software service that can confirm the authenticity of government photo ID and match the result to the image or video of the client. (see DIACC website. A directory of certified software services suitable for use by lawyers will be available on the DIACC website shortly).

 

For more information on the anti-money laundering rules check out the Anti-Money Laundering page on the Law Society of Manitoba’s Education Centre https://educationcentre.lawsociety.mb.ca/practice-resources/professional-responsibilities/anti-money-laundering/ ,or  take in the Federation of Law Societies’ new on-line Anti Money Laundering education package and get CPD points (free!).

Meeting your MCPD Requirements

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Each calendar year, practising lawyers must complete 12 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by December 31. For more information, please visit: Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
 
If you are looking for CPD opportunities at this time of year, you’ve got plenty of options!
 
You can find a comprehensive list in this updated CPD News item: So Many Options!
 

CPD on Demand

 
CPDonline
 
Log in to CPDonline anytime from anywhere to access recorded versions of our CPD programs (Go directly to the 2023 recordings).
 
Online Interactive Opportunities
 
Access a variety of new online interactive courses that are available at no cost.

Or brush up on cyber safety topics and earn a little CPD by completing our free cyber security awareness Bytes.
 

 
If you have questions, please contact us. We are here to help.
 
CPD Programming and CPD on Demand: cpd@lawsociety.mb.ca
 
Meeting Your MCPD Requirements: mcpd@lawsociety.mb.ca

Continuing Professional Development – So Many Options!

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Sometimes we hear members say “I just need to get my hours…” While there is a concrete requirement that is measured by hours, please don’t reduce professional development to “hours”.

The Mandatory Continuing Professional Development rules were put in place to provide a minimum requirement to assist you in making sure that you prioritize maintaining and enhancing your professional competence… reality is, we all work to “deadlines.” The real intention is for you to reflect on your competence and determine your professional development needs so you can then find meaningful resources to address your needs and goals. This is not about just “getting your hours.” Please don’t do that to yourself.

Now, more than ever, you have so many options – many that are available at any time of the day – to enhance your own individual professional development.

Here are a few places for you to look for high quality CPD:

Manitoba Law Library posts education events from a variety of providers on the Library Events Calendar.

The Law Society of Manitoba offers both live CPD Programs, and CPD on Demand.

Manitoba and Canadian Bar Association record most programs. Members may contact sections@cba-mb.ca to request access to recordings of past programs.

Robson Hall Law School hosts events and you can also visit their YouTube channel to access video recordings of past lectures. Notable playlists include:

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada offers national law programs:

We know that the needs of individual lawyers vary a great deal and there is no one provider of CPD that can offer all things to all lawyers.

Here in Manitoba we are particularly fortunate to have a collaborative and collegial relationship amongst the various arms of the legal profession. Each arm contributes to and offers educational opportunities and we highly recommend that you take a look around to ensure you are taking advantage of the most relevant CPD for you and your practice.

As always, if you have any questions about CPD or the requirements you may contact us at: cpd@lawsociety.mb.ca or mcpd@lawsociety.mb.ca.

The Path is Available October 2, 2023

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© Christi Belcourt. The Wisdom of the Universe


The Path, an Indigenous Intercultural Awareness and Competency Training course, launches October 2, 2023.

This course represents a unique opportunity to learn about Indigenous peoples’ history, cultures, and experiences.

The Path is mandatory for practicing members and is an essential step in starting to fill this gap in our education for competent practice.

More to know about The Path:

  • Free, The Path is available to practicing members at no-cost.
  • Flexible, The Path is organized into six online modules that you can complete at your own pace.
  • MCPD, The Path is eligible for seven CPD hours, all of which are considered EPPM.
Visit The Path FAQ for more information.

New and FREE online tool and cyber security resources available!

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Our selection of high-value no-cost resources has expanded with two great new additions, so help yourself and your firm by checking them out today:

 

Interactive Online Practice Management Tool

This new interactive online tool, along with its companion workbooks, is designed for sole practitioners and designated representatives (or those responsible for the operations of multi-lawyer firms).

Use the tool to review best practices, identify key priorities, and access practical resources that align with your priorities!

 

 

Cyber Security Resource Library

Help block cyber criminals! Our new Cyber Security page offers a curated selection of relevant resources from various sources.

Plus, you’ll find featured CPD on demand opportunities, including our online learning Bytes, created specifically for Manitoba lawyers and law firm staff.

 

Thank You 2022 CPD Volunteers

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As we reflect on the past few years and look forward to the year ahead, everyone here at the Law Society (especially the CPD team) would like to express our most sincere gratitude to all of the incredible volunteers who have contributed so substantially to the education of their colleagues.

Read more