FAQ Regarding Unclaimed Property
What is Unclaimed Property as it relates to Computershare?
Unclaimed Property is an entitlement of some kind (money or securities) that is payable to an owner but, for some reason, has not yet been claimed and is still held by Computershare. Most of the unclaimed property we hold is a result of uncashed dividend and interest payment cheques or payments held because the owner's address of record is no longer valid. Certain property is considered unclaimed after a specified period of inactivity, or where the owner has had no contact with Computershare, after a specified period of time. The time period is governed by applicable provincial law.
Is unclaimed property legislation applicable to all unclaimed property held by Computershare?
No, currently unclaimed property legislation is only applicable to unclaimed property held for owners resident in, or whose last known address was in, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia or New Brunswick.
What is Computershare’s involvement with unclaimed property?
Computershare Trust Company of Canada and its affiliates ("Computershare") acts as transfer agent and registrar for many corporations and other issuers of securities. We also administer employee share purchase plans and other equity compensation programs and provide trust services. In providing these services, we issue securities and payments on behalf of issuers where sometimes the securities or payments become unclaimed. We are required by unclaimed property legislation to search for owners of unclaimed property using reasonable measures and to send account owners a notice about the property. The intention of the notice is to verify that the address on record is still valid for the account owner or that a new address found via a search is correct, so we can reunite the owner with their property.
What happens to the property if it remains unclaimed?
Unless we reunite the owner with their unclaimed property, it will be treated as abandoned and, in accordance with applicable laws, may be turned over to the appropriate governmental authority. Once payments or securities are turned over to the province, you may contact the province to claim the property.
How often does Computershare complete unclaimed property activities?
Province of Owner’s Last Known Address Notice Mailed to Unclaimed Property Owners Property Remittance Alberta Annually within the last three months of the year to each account owner with unclaimed property. Properties that remain unclaimed are remitted to Alberta in April the following year. British Columbia Semi-annually in June and December to each account owner with unclaimed property. None. We retain it at Computershare. Quebec Annually within the last 3 months of the year to each account owner with unclaimed property. Properties that remain unclaimed are remitted to Quebec in March the following year. New Brunswick Annually within the last 3 months of the year to each account owner with unclaimed property. Properties that remain unclaimed are remitted to Quebec in March the following year. When is unclaimed property generally required to be remitted/reported?
Province of Owner’s Last Known Address Period of Time Required to Become Unclaimed Value of Property Alberta 5 years from the date of entitlement (e.g. the date that a dividend cheque was issued to you) Computershare is required to remit unclaimed property valued at $250 or more. British Columbia 3 years from the date of entitlement (e.g. the date that a dividend cheque or securities certificate was issued to you) or, for a cheque returned in the mail, the date of its return. Computershare is required to mail a Notice to owners whose property is valued at $200 or more. We are not required to remit the property. Quebec 3 years from the date of entitlement (e.g. the date that dividend cheque was issued to you) and if your shares are deemed eligible all outstanding dividend checks through current date will also be remitted. Computershare is required to remit unclaimed property of any value. New Brunswick 3 years from the date of entitlement (e.g. the date that dividend cheque was issued to you) and if your shares are deemed eligible all outstanding dividend checks through current date will also be remitted. Computershare is required to remit unclaimed property of any value. Will Computershare update my address of record automatically upon finding my new address?
No, Computershare will wait to receive your completed Unclaimed Property Verification Notice before updating your address on our records.
If I do not have proof of ownership, where can I get my signature guaranteed?
Many commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions and all broker dealers participate in a Medallion Signature Guarantee program.
The signature(s) on the Lost Holder Verification Notice can be guaranteed with one of the following stamps:
Medallion Guarantee: You can obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee from a member of an acceptable Medallion Signature Guarantee Program (STAMP, SEMP and MSP). Many commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, and all broker dealers participate in a Medallion Signature Guarantee Program. The Guarantor must apply a stamp to the Securities Transfer Form bearing the actual words "Medallion Guaranteed."
Signature Guarantee: You can obtain a Signature Guarantee from TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank of Canada or the Bank of Nova Scotia. The Guarantor must apply a stamp to the Securities Transfer Form bearing the actual words "Signature Guaranteed," "Signature and Authority to Sign Guaranteed" or "Endorsement Guaranteed."I am a legal representative for the accountholder. Are there additional documents I must provide?
Yes, if you are a legal representative acting on behalf of the accountholder, you must also provide legal documentation to demonstrate your authority to act. Please see the requirements below.
GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY: A certified copy of the General Power of Attorney dated within six months. If not dated within six months, the appointed attorney is requested to certify and date on the document that "the document is still in full force and effect and the grantor is still alive."
ESTATES:
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Probated Estate – A certified copy of the accountholder's Letters Probate, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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Non-probated Estate – A certified copy of the accountholder's Last Will and Testament and Death Certificate.
CORPORATION: A certified copy of the Corporate or Board Resolution which lists the names and titles of the individuals authorized to sign on behalf of the company. The document must include sample signatures of the authorized individuals.
TRUST: A certified copy of the Trust Agreement.
PARTNERSHIP: A certified copy of the Partnership Agreement.
MINOR or CUSTODIAN (UGMA): A certified copy of the accountholder's Birth Certificate.
NAME CHANGE: A certified copy of a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree or other legal document verifying the name change.
Please note: "Certified copy" refers to a photocopy that has been notarized, court certified, Canadian charter bank certified or Medallion Signature Guaranteed.
Where do I return the completed form?
Please mail the completed form to:
Computershare
P.O. Box 4602
STN A
Toronto ON
M5W 4Y7How can I contact Computershare if I still have questions?
You can reach our National Customer Contact Centre from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET at 1 877 982 6730.