E–Commerce Act, 2000
 http://www.ontla.on.ca/Documents/StatusofLegOUT/b088_e.htm

"Bill 88 contains important functional equivalency rules, which help ensure that the use of electronic communication, as opposed to paper documents,does not affect the validity of communications. For example, when the law stipulates that information must be in writing, the electronic equivalent is acceptable if it is "accessible so as to be useable for subsequent reference." 

Gabe Takach, as quoted in a recent article on itWorld.com, says "functional equivalence - boiled down to basics, the principle is little more than a legalistic way of saying contractual relations will not  be unenforceable simply because they are in electronic form."

• Electronic Signatures"1 will satisfy written signature requirements.
• Valid contracts can be made even if the electronic communication is automated at one or both ends of the transaction. The  legislation removes the need for direct human interaction in the formation of contracts.
• It covers both existing and future technologies by providing a broad definition of "electronic".
• It does not require a person to use electronic communications without his or her consent. However, consent may be inferred from a person’s conduct (e.g. by their actual use of electronic communications)."