Justice Omnibus Bill Introduced

Legislation introduced today, May 7, would change or update 13 pieces of existing provincial legislation. The Justice Administration Amendment (2004) Act was introduced by Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell on behalf of Justice Minister Michael Baker.

Amendments to the Flea Markets Regulation Act, including changes to the definitions of "commercial flea market" and "operator," will make it easier for police to enforce the act.

The Elections Act is being amended to remove the requirement that the chief electoral officer be a lawyer employed by the province. It would also give the chief electoral officer the power to appoint temporary returning officers in certain circumstances.

An amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act would require an operator of an out-of-province vehicle to have a valid vehicle registration for that jurisdiction and to produce the registration if a peace officer asks for it.

The Education Act would be changed to allow a municipality to enter into an agreement with a school board regarding a community facility that is not within that municipality.

The Labour Standards Code will be amended to clarify that the time limit for bringing complaints to the director also applies to appeals before the Labour Standards Tribunal. Other clauses would ensure that an employee with more than eight years of service with an employer, who is entitled to at least three weeks of vacation, receives the equivalent pay in lieu of time.

An amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Act would give government the legal authority to provide remuneration to members of the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council.

The Provincial Court Act amendment would set the retirement age for provincial court judges at 70 instead of 65, which is consistent with most other jurisdictions.

The Special Places Protection Act would be amended to make sure that the designation of a property as an ecological site remains in effect regardless of future ownership or future tax deeds.

A change to the Ombudsman Act would expand the jurisdiction of that office. It will ensure that agencies that spend public money may be investigated by the ombudsman.

The legislation also includes other minor housekeeping changes proposed for the Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act, Justice Administration Amendment (2003) Act, Interior Designers Act and Public Service Act.