TL;DR
British Columbia allows electronic Wills under amendments to the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). BC residents can electronically sign their Will and have it witnessed remotely via audio-visual technology. LegalWills.ca supports this process through its integrated Video Signing Room. BC is one of the most progressive provinces in Canada for digital estate planning.
Originally published: December 1, 2021 | Last updated: December 24, 2025
British Columbia permits electronic Wills through amendments to the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). This means BC residents can create, sign, and have their Will witnessed entirely online, without printing a single page. LegalWills.ca supports this process through its digital Will signing feature with an integrated Video Signing Room.
What Does BC Law Say About Electronic Wills?
British Columbia’s WESA amendments allow Wills to be:
- Created electronically, the Will document can exist in digital format
- Signed with an electronic signature, a wet ink signature on paper is not required
- Witnessed remotely; witnesses can observe the signing via audio-visual technology (video call) rather than being physically present in the same room
These provisions make BC one of the most progressive jurisdictions in Canada for digital estate planning, alongside Ontario which introduced similar permanent provisions in 2022.
How Does Electronic Will Signing Work in BC?
The process through LegalWills.ca follows these steps:
- Create your Will online; answer the guided questions at LegalWills.ca, selecting British Columbia as your province
- Choose the electronic signing option, instead of printing, select digital signing
- Schedule a Video Signing Room session, invite two eligible witnesses to join a secure video call
- Sign electronically; apply your electronic signature while witnesses observe via video
- Witnesses sign electronically, both witnesses apply their signatures during the same video session
- Document is sealed and stored, the signed Will is encrypted and stored in your MyVault
What Are the Witness Requirements for Electronic Wills in BC?
The witness requirements for electronic Wills in BC are the same as for traditional paper Wills:
- Two witnesses are required
- Witnesses must be at least 19 years old (BC’s age of majority)
- Witnesses must not be beneficiaries of the Will
- Witnesses must not be spouses of beneficiaries
- Witnesses must observe the testator signing (via video) and then sign themselves
The key difference is that witnesses do not need to be physically present in the same room, they can participate from any location via the Video Signing Room. Learn more about witness requirements for signing a Will in Canada.
Should I Still Keep a Paper Copy?
Yes. While BC law recognizes electronic Wills, it is strongly recommended to also print and store a paper copy of your signed Will. Reasons include:
- Some institutions (banks, land title offices) may still prefer paper documents
- A paper backup provides security if technology fails or services change
- The legal landscape for electronic Wills is still evolving
Your digital Will in MyVault provides convenience and accessibility, while the paper copy provides a traditional safety net.
How Does BC Compare to Other Provinces for Electronic Wills?
| Province | Electronic Wills | Virtual Witnessing |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Yes (permanent) | Yes |
| Ontario | Yes (permanent since 2022) | Yes |
| Saskatchewan | Under review | Limited |
| Alberta | No | No |
| Québec | No (for witnessed Wills) | No |
What Other Estate Planning Documents Can BC Residents Prepare Online?
In addition to a Will, BC residents should prepare:
- Enduring Power of Attorney; appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if incapacitated. See our complete guide to Power of Attorney in Canada.
- Representation Agreement. BC’s version of a healthcare directive, appointing someone to make health and personal care decisions. See our guide to Living Wills and advance directives.
- Advance Directive; documents your specific healthcare wishes for end-of-life scenarios
Together with a Will, these documents form a complete estate plan for BC residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in British Columbia to sign an electronic Will under BC law?
You should be a BC resident for the Will to be governed by BC law. However, the beauty of electronic signing is that you can complete the process from anywhere; useful if you are travelling or temporarily outside the province.
Is an electronic Will more vulnerable to challenges than a paper Will?
Not inherently. The Video Signing Room creates a complete record of the signing ceremony, which can actually provide stronger evidence of proper execution than a traditional paper signing. The compliance certificate documents all key details.
What happens if technology fails during the signing ceremony?
If the video connection drops or technical issues occur, the signing should be rescheduled. All parties must be connected throughout the entire signing process for it to be valid. The LegalWills.ca system is designed for reliability, but having a backup plan (such as the option to print and sign in person) is always prudent.
How much does an electronic Will cost in BC?
The Will itself costs $49.95 through LegalWills.ca, the same as a traditional printed Will. The electronic signing feature may have additional costs; check LegalWills.ca for current pricing.
Tim Hewson is one of the founders of LegalWills.ca.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets including CTV, Global News, The Toronto Star, and other leading Canadian publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
