Currently, it is not clear if electronic signatures and records have the same validity in law as those that are paper-based.
Most existing legislation limits transactions with government to written or signed paper records.
As e-commerce continues to grow and government moves to increase electronic service delivery and reduce red tape, there is a need to uniformly update legislation to accommodate electronic signatures and records. Introduction of the ETA will minimize the need for ministries to introduce separate pieces of legislation to facilitate electronic service delivery. The ETA establishes that a transaction cannot be declared invalid simply because it took place electronically. Specific provisions state that a requirement or permission under a law of British Columbia for a person to provide information in writing, sign a document, produce a document, or retain information or a document can be satisfied by an electronic communication. Rules are set out that apply in the absence of any contrary agreement.