NEW CHANGES AFFECT OUT-OF-PROVINCE SUPPORT ORDERS

Legislation proclaimed today will make it easier for Saskatchewan families to obtain maintenance support orders in other parts of Canada.

"This legislation will reduce delays and costs for families seeking support orders outside of this province," Justice Minister John Nilson said. "It is similar to the system recently adopted in the United States."

The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act will help streamline the process for obtaining, changing, and enforcing support orders. Saskatchewan residents will no longer need to have their evidence reviewed by a court in this province before it is sent to the respondent's province.

The legislation also allows for enforcement of an order to commence immediately once it is received for enforcement, instead of requiring 30 days notice. The legislation will help to collect child support payments as enforcement can begin immediately if a non-payor moves to Saskatchewan. The previous legislation required that a non-payor be served with a 30 day notice.

Leaders of all of the provinces and territories agreed to pass this legislation at the Premier's Conference in August 2001. Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Yukon have already introduced similar legislation. It is expected that all Canadian jurisdictions will have similar legislation in place by this Spring.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-6043 Email: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca