News Release Archive
JUSTICE--ACT INTRODUCED-COURT AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM ----------------------------------------------------------------- Justice Minister Bill Gillis today introduced the Court Structure and Administrative Reform Act. The act addresses the changes made necessary as a result of court restructuring and those required as a result of operational changes made at the Department of Justice. As well, there are administrative reforms designed to reduce the number of minor matters that must go before Cabinet. In March 1995, the minister outlined the restructuring program for Nova Scotia's courts and Department of Justice offices. The program is designed to provide more effective, efficient service delivery, and establishes 11 justice centres throughout the province. Each justice centre contains offices and staff that will serve all levels of court. As a result of this reorganization, several pieces of legislation must be amended recognizing the establishment of the Justice Centres. For example, the Juries Act must be amended to ensure there is a jury district for each justice centre. The act also repeals provisions no longer relevant or necessary as a result of the reorganization. In coordinating the delivery of services, changes are needed to allow staff to handle workloads without the requirement of additional personnel. The objective is to ensure that court staff are not restricted to the performance of single functions in only one office. Amendments to several pieces of legislation will facilitate this process. As a result, the Sheriffs Act, Prothonotaries and Clerks of the Crown Act, and Court Reporters Act have been repealed. The act also contains several changes designed to consolidate and bring into effect a number of reforms that government has been working toward. It will also clarify the existing legislation. Three provisions are aimed at administrative reforms and the enforcement of orders of government appointed tribunals. They are designed to reduce the number of minor matters that must be dealt with by Cabinet. The provisions allow Cabinet to delegate authority to a minister to acquire or dispose of land interests or to make minor appointments. Regulations would be required setting the guidelines for the approval of land transactions. Any transactions falling outside of the guidelines would require Cabinet approval. The regulations would also contain provision for public notice so that the transactions are open to public scrunity. Another provision allows Cabinet to delegate the power to the minister to make minor appointments, if Cabinet considers the delegation to be appropriate. The act allows Cabinet to delegate the power to a minister to make appointments under the Fatality Inquiries Act (except the chief medical examiner) the Notaries and Commissioners Act, the Solemnization of Marriage Act or the Vital Statistics Act. This would include appointments such as commissioner of oaths, registrars of births, deaths, those that issue marriage licenses, and local medical examiners. Finally, there is a provision designed to give strength to orders issued by public tribunals which do not currently have enforcement provisions. This provision will allow for the making of regulations ensuring that an order of a board or tribunal may be filed and enforced as an order of the Supreme Court. "This is really a housekeeping bill that allows us to increase operational efficiency on many fronts," said Dr. Gillis. "We have made a number of changes that improve the way we use our resources, and this legislation helps us to ensure a high level of service is maintained to Nova Scotians." -30- NOTE TO EDITORS: Backgrounder available by calling 902-424-4492 or 1-800-670-4357 (toll free). Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811 trp Apr. 02, 1996 - 2:15 p.m.