Omnibus Bill Introduced
Justice Minister Michael Baker brought forward an omnibus bill that will amend and clarify several pieces of legislation. The Justice Administration Amendment (2002 Fall) Act was introduced today, Nov. 1.
The Fatality Investigations Act is amended to allow medical examiners to collect evidence relating to a death and removes the mandatory requirement that a warrant be obtained in order to enter premises. This is particularly relevant when consent for entry has been provided. It will also be an offence to hinder or obstruct the work of the chief medical examiner.
The notice of hearing provisions in the Domestic Violence Intervention Act are amended.
In the Guardianship Act, the circumstances where a person must pay funds to the Public Trustee are expanded.
An amendment to the Lobbyist Registration Act omits police forces from the definition of public office holders.
The provisions regarding the registration of documents are changed in the Regulations Act as are the reporting requirements.
The process for the serving of documents is clarified in the Residential Tenancies Act.
The amendments to the Summary Proceedings Act will change the way warrants are issued. Warrants can now be issued only to police. Investigative warrants will allow police to search for biological, chemical or physical agents and will allow them to search a computer data base. The changes also allow the laying of informations by phone or fax, permit experts to help police execute warrants and allow a justice of the peace or a judge to prohibit access and disclosure of information relating to a warrant. A justice of the peace must be satisfied there are reasonable grounds for a warrant to be executed between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. In extreme circumstances, the changes mean police can act without warrants. As well, provisions are added regarding the retention, copying and return of seized items.
"It's important that we amend and clarify our legislative framework on a regular basis," said Mr. Baker. "These changes are designed to improve the administration of justice."