Commissioning and notarization overlap, but they are not the same service.
The starting point
A commissioner for taking affidavits can administer oaths, affirmations and declarations within the commissioner's authority. The commissioner confirms identity and the act of swearing, affirming or declaring; the commissioner does not certify that every statement is factually true.
What to be careful about
An Ontario notary public has the powers of a commissioner and can also perform additional notarial acts, including verifying signatures and certifying true copies within the scope of the appointment.
How a lawyer can assess the issue
Every Ontario lawyer and paralegal is automatically a commissioner for taking affidavits. Notary-public status is a separate appointment and should be confirmed before a professional advertises notarial services.
Current Ontario context
The receiving organization often determines which service is required. Bring its instructions if the document says it must be notarized rather than commissioned.
Before a consultation
Bring the documents that control the issue and a short chronology of important dates. Avoid sending original documents or unnecessary sensitive information through a general website form.