A new modernized act which better reflects today�s
standards will replace the Registration of Deeds Act. Bill 21
An Act Respecting the Registration of Deeds and Other Documents was
introduced in the House of Assembly today. The current Registration
of Deeds Act first appeared in 1892 when the system was solely a
paper system and has undergone a number of revisions and amendments over
the years. However, the new act will reflect the use of modern
technology, new search methods and more consumer friendly practices.
"One of the major policy initiatives that we need
reflected in the new Act Respecting the Registration of Deeds and
Other Documents is the shift from a paper-based system to an
electronic system," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of
Government Services. "We have done a great deal of work in providing
more services online through the Companies and Deeds Online or CADO
system but this also needs to be reflected in legislation."
Deeds can already be searched online and in early 2010
the department is moving towards allowing the online registration of
deeds through CADO. This will provide greater flexibility for users to
register deeds as they can access the system 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. To ensure the integrity of land registration, only practicing,
insured members of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador will be
able to register deeds online.
"Providing more services online has been a commitment
of this government since 2003," said Minister O�Brien. "CADO has been
especially beneficial for people living in many rural areas. Previously,
to access the registry, those people would have had to make a special
trip to St. John�s to conduct their research or ask someone living in
the metro area to do it on their behalf."
Other policy shifts included in the new act include
moving towards a notice-based system which will require notices of
mortgages to be registered rather than the Registry of Deeds housing the
entire mortgage documents and requiring mortgagees to release mortgages
within 60 days of the mortgage being paid. This is a consumer-friendly
initiative. Other changes include minor policy initiatives and
housekeeping items which help modernize the Registry of Deeds Act.
"I believe that we have produced a much improved act
which will help with the day to day activities of many of our users,"
concluded Minister O�Brien.
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