Justice Administration Act Amendments

Legislation introduced today, March 19, under the Justice Administration Act (2007) will change or update existing provincial legislation. The housekeeping amendments were introduced by Health Minister Chris d'Entremont on behalf of Justice Minister Murray Scott.

Amendments to the Small Claims Court Act will ensure that the court has jurisdiction to deal with matters arising in all areas of the province. The amendments will address some uncertainty created by a recent Supreme Court decision.

Repeal of Sections 42(2) and 42(3) of the Health Authorities Act will support Community Health Boards with retention issues by allowing members to serve more than two consecutive terms. This will be consistent with boards of directors for District Health Authorities, who are not limited in the number of terms that they can serve.

Changes to the act governing the Shubenacadie Canal Commission were requested by the commission to recognize changes in the former Halifax and Dartmouth Municipal units. The amendments will also allow improved commission representation from Colchester and East Hants Municipalities, and will update references to the Department of Natural Resources and the Municipal Government Act.

Amendments are also being made to several acts to allow the ministers responsible to provide awards for long-term service to peace officers, firefighters and emergency management personnel. The affected acts include the Emergency Management Act, Fire Safety Act and Police Act. The awards will recognize a significant contribution to the protection of people and property.