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A Certification Statement is a formal declaration that confirms specific facts or claims are true and accurate. In Canadian business and legal contexts, these statements often accompany financial reports, regulatory filings, or professional credentials, with the signer taking legal responsibility for the information's accuracy.

Organizations use Certification Statements to build trust and meet compliance requirements. For example, public companies listed on Canadian exchanges must include management's certification of financial statements under National Instrument 52-109. The person signing faces serious consequences for false statements, including potential criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Use a Certification Statement anytime you need to formally verify important facts or claims, especially in regulated industries. Canadian public companies require these statements when filing quarterly financial reports, while professionals often need them to confirm their credentials or specialized training.

Common triggers include submitting regulatory documents to government agencies, verifying insurance claims, confirming professional qualifications, or declaring compliance with industry standards. Many organizations add Certification Statements to grant applications, tender submissions, and corporate governance documents to strengthen their legal position and demonstrate due diligence.

• Financial Certification Statements: Used by public companies to verify financial reports and internal controls under National Instrument 52-109
• Professional Qualification Statements: Confirm credentials, training, or specialized expertise for regulated professions
• Regulatory Compliance Statements: Declare adherence to specific Canadian laws, standards, or industry requirements
• Grant and Tender Certifications: Verify eligibility criteria and claims made in funding applications or bid submissions
• Insurance and Claims Statements: Confirm the accuracy of information provided for insurance purposes or claim settlements

• Corporate Executives: CEOs and CFOs must sign Certification Statements for financial reports and regulatory filings, taking personal responsibility for accuracy
• Legal Counsel: Draft and review statements to ensure compliance with Canadian laws and regulations
• Professional Bodies: Issue certification requirements for members and verify credentials through formal statements
• Government Regulators: Receive and enforce certified statements, particularly from publicly traded companies
• Independent Auditors: Review and validate information contained in certification statements, especially for financial reporting

• Purpose Assessment: Identify the specific reason for the Certification Statement and any regulatory requirements it must meet
• Facts Collection: Gather all relevant information, documents, and evidence that support the claims being certified
• Authority Check: Confirm who has proper authorization to sign the statement under Canadian law and internal policies
• Statement Content: List all claims clearly, using precise language that leaves no room for misinterpretation
• Verification Process: Document the steps taken to verify each claim before finalizing the statement
• Review Protocol: Establish internal review procedures to ensure accuracy and completeness

• Clear Identification: Full legal names and roles of all parties making the certification
• Statement of Authority: Explicit confirmation that signers have proper authorization to make declarations
• Factual Declarations: Specific, unambiguous statements of what is being certified as true
• Legal Framework: Reference to relevant Canadian laws or regulations governing the certification
• Verification Method: Description of how facts were verified or information was obtained
• Signature Block: Date, signature, title, and contact information of authorized signatories
• Consequences Statement: Acknowledgment of legal implications for false statements

A Certification Statement differs significantly from a Disclosure Statement in both purpose and legal effect. While both documents involve formal declarations, they serve distinct functions in Canadian legal practice.

• Legal Purpose: Certification Statements actively verify specific facts or claims as true, creating legal liability for false statements. Disclosure Statements passively reveal information without necessarily vouching for its accuracy.
• Timing and Use: Certification Statements are typically made after verifying facts, while Disclosure Statements are often made proactively to share known information.
• Legal Consequences: False certifications can lead to criminal charges under Canadian law, whereas disclosure failures usually result in civil penalties.
• Scope: Certification Statements focus on specific facts or qualifications, while Disclosure Statements often cover broader information sets or potential risks.