Expert: Steven Taylor - 5/11/2010

Question
Mr Taylor..You are my starting point as to an answer that is needed and I'm not sure where to go with this question...I hope you can help me in some way...in August 1938 my grandfather bought stock from ROYALTY PARTICIPATING CERTIFICATE #850 ..then it was transferred on to his daughter..my Mother in 1984 and the company was called McLEOD TRUST NO 1 ROYALTY TRUST CERTIFICATE  #314 petroleum & Natural gas  now called Crown Trust Co...my Mother is "94" and has no idea if these certificates are just papers or have they any meaning...I would so appreciate hearing from you as to "what should be done with this certificate..
"Who" should I contact in regards to this  if you feel it should be looked into..Thank you kindly for any advise you can give me...
Terrell Warren...Winnipeg Manitoba    /

Answer
Terrell, what you have is not a stock, but is a security. It is, as described, a Royalty Participating Certificate, which typically gives the owner a share of oil and gas royalties from 1 or more oil and gas wells, but not ownership of the company which operates the wells. Because they are very limited securities, they are usually very difficult to determine value. From the name, it appears to be Alberta (check the certificate) that you need to contact in regards to research. Check the Province's website in regards to who to contact. You may have to contact a Land Use Attorney to track this down for you.