Nova Scotia Legislative Report – Fall Sitting Nov 26, 2010

The fall sitting of the 2nd session of the 61st General Assembly of the Nova Scotia Legislature began on October 28, 2010. As of November 26, 2010, 33 Government Bills, 10 Private Members Bills, and 4 Private and Local Bill have been introduced during this sitting of the House of Assembly.

Below is a summary of those Bills introduced between November 19, 2010 and November 26, 2010, and a table providing the status of legislation introduced since the beginning of the session, current to November 26, 2010.

GOVERNMENT BILLS
Bill No. 102 – Tanning Beds Act– Hon. Maureen MacDonald

This Bill makes it an offence for a tanning bed operator to sell access to tanning bed facilities to a person under the age of nineteen. Tanning bed operators are required to check identification, and it is no defence that a person appeared to be at or over the age of nineteen. Operators shall be required to display signs as prescribed by the Regulations (regulations not yet drafted) which disclose information with regards to the health effects of tanning equipment use. The purpose of this legislation is to protect young people from the harmful effects of excessive exposure to UV rays such as skin cancer. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

Bill No. 103 – Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Hon. Ramona Jennex

This Bill removes the requirement in Subsection 282(3) for the Registrar to issue a warning notice when four or more points are entered on a person’s driver’s record. Drivers will still be able to check the drivers’ handbook to see how many points are assigned to an infraction, and can also contact Access Nova Scotia to obtain information on points accumulation. Fully licensed drivers who accumulate six demerit points will continue to receive a letter from the deputy registrar indicating that they will be required to undergo a re-examination with a Driver Enhancement Officer. This proposed legislation will only apply to fully licensed drivers. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

Bill No. 105 – Education Act (amended) – Hon. Marilyn More

This Bill authorizes the Minister of Education to provide an instructional leadership program for teachers and grant diplomas for the successful completion of the program. The Bill also addresses privacy issues in that it allows the Minister to collect and use personal information for certain purposes, however, the Minister may not collect or use personal information if other information would serve the same purpose, and no more information than is reasonably necessary may be collected. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

Bill No. 106 – Handicapped Persons’ Education Act (amended) – Hon. Marilyn More

This Bill changes the name of the Handicapped Persons Education Act to the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority Act. It also changes the definition of “handicapped person” to, “person with a low-incidence sensory impairment”, as well as changes “Newfoundland” to “Newfoundland and Labrador”. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.

Bill No. 108 – Nova Scotia Museum Act (amended) – Hon. Percy Paris

This Bill authorizes the Governor in Council to make regulations prescribing fees for admission to museums as well as for their operation and administration. This reflects the existing practice by Nova Scotia Museums of charging public admission fees and fees for rental of museum facilities. This change to the Act has been described as a “housekeeping step” and confirms a previous government decision to allow museum fees, which was never included in the Act. There are no reported increases to public admission fees at museums planned as a result of the change. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.

Bill No. 109 – Weed Control Act (amended) – Hon. John MacDonnell

This Bill changes the name of the Weed Control Act to the Agricultural Weed Control Act and adds to the powers of the Minister to quickly and effectively deal with or manage threats to farmlands from weeds which may be highly destructive, invasive, competitive and/or difficult to control. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
Bill No. 110 – Animal Protection Act (amended) – Hon. John MacDonnell
This Bill introduces changes to the Animal Protection Act which will clarify the powers and duties of inspectors and the custody, ownership and disposition of seized animals. It also contains provisions for the taking into custody of abandoned farm animals, and further provides that a prosecution under the Act may be commenced within two years of the offence. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

Bill No. 111 – Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Hon. Bill Estabrooks

This Bill amends the Motor Vehicle Act to give transit buses the right of way when re-entering traffic from a stop, as part of the Province’s “Suburban Priorities Initiative”. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.
Bill No. 112 – Halifax Regional Municipality Charter (amended) – Hon. Ramona Jennex
This Bill authorizes Halifax Regional Municipality to install solar panels and other energy-efficiency equipment on private property with the consent of the owner and to pass a by-law respecting the recovery of the cost from the owner. This Bill is part of the Province’s “Suburban Priorities Initiative”. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.

Bill No. 113 – Clothesline Act – Hon. Bill Estabrooks

This Bill authorizes all homeowners in the province to use clotheslines, regardless of restrictive covenants, but does not prevent reasonable restrictions regarding the installation, use and placement of a clothesline. This Bill is part of the Province’s “Suburban Priorities Initiative”. Status: Passed 1st reading on November 25, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.

Bill No. 114 – Anti-idling Act – Hon. Sterling Belliveau

This Bill requires the Provincial Government as well as operators of public passenger vehicles, such as school buses, transit buses and tour buses to establish a written anti-idling policy by October 1, 2011 in order to promote the reduction of unnecessary idling. Status: Passed 1st reading on November 26, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
Bill No. 115 – Public Sector Compensation Disclosure Act – Hon. Graham Steele
This Bill requires expanded reporting on the salaries of people who work for public sector bodies and earn more than $100,000.00 per year. The legislation will apply to a broad group of government agencies which are not currently covered by disclosure legislation. Status: Passed 1st reading on November 26, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.

PRIVATE MEMBERS BILLS

Bill No. 116 – Homes for Special Care Act (amended) – Geoff MacLellan (Glace Bay)
This Bill amends the Homes for Special Care Act to permit the creation of family councils in nursing homes and residential care facilities. Status: Passed 1st reading on November 26, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.

PRIVATE & LOCAL BILLS

Bill No. 104 – Trustees of Liverpool United Baptist Church Act (amended) – Vicki Conrad (Queens)

This Bill amends An Act to Incorporate the Trustees of Liverpool United Baptist Church and introduces various changes to procedures regarding the operations and management of Church business with respect to its Trustees. It also provides that membership in the Church will be governed by the constitution and by-laws of the Church rather than regional church usage and practice. The Bill also removes the restriction to being a trustee to “male” members only. Status: Passed 1st reading on November 23, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.

Bill No. 107 – Public Service Commission of Bridgewater Act (amended) – Gary Ramey (Lunenburg West)

This Bill permits the Bridgewater Public Service Commission to supply water to areas outside of the Town boundaries of Bridgewater. It also increases the membership of the Commission by one and ensures that at least two members are not also Town Council members. If the Commission is dissolved, this Bill provides that its assets and liabilities remain vested in the Town. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Private and Local Bills Committee.

Bill No. 117 – Yarmouth North Baptist Church Act (amended) – Zach Churchill (Yarmouth)

This Bill changes the name of the Yarmouth North United Baptist Church to the Yarmouth North Baptist Church. Status: Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Private and Local Bills Committee.

STATUS UPDATES

Status Update on Government Bills

• Bill No. 1 House of Assembly Management Commission Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 7 Pharmacy Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading, and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 10 Cape Breton Island Marketing Levy Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 13 Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 16 Summary Proceedings Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 18 Vital Statistics Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 19 Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 22 Security and Investigative Services Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 23 Sea, Army, Air and Navy League Cadets Day Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 24 Financial Measures (2010) Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent; however, sections 2 to 8 had effect on and after January 1, 2010, and sections 24 and 25 will come into force on November 9, 2010.
• Bill No. 29 Municipal Government Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act was proclaimed into force on November 16, 2010.
• Bill No. 33 Securities Transfer Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act was proclaimed into force on September 8, 2010.
• Bill No. 35 Finance Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act was proclaimed into force on August 1, 2010.
• Bill No. 36 Engineering Profession Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 38 Voluntary Carbon Emissions Offset Fund Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 41 Volunteer Fire Services Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 46 Appropriations Act, 2010 – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act had effect on and after April 1, 2010.
• Bill No. 47 Education Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 51 Revenue Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent; however, sections 1 and 2(3) will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 52 Insurance Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act had effect on and after July 1, 2010; however, clauses 4(a) and (c) will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 53 Fur Industry Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 55 Internal Trade Agreement Implementation Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act was proclaimed into force on July 13, 2010.
• Bill No. 58 Powers of Attorney Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 61 Non-essential Pesticides Control Act – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 62 Nova Scotia Hospital Foundation Act (repealed) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 63 Legal Profession Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading, and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.
• Bill No. 64 Electricity Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act was proclaimed into force on October 12, 2010.
• Bill No. 65 Homes for Special Care Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent; however, section 1 will come into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
• Bill No. 67 Halifax Regional Municipality Charter (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent; however, sections 1 and 3 had effect on and after February 17, 2009.
• Bill No. 68 Public Utilities Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 72 Police Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 74 Land Titles Clarification Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 75 Merchandise Inspection Act (repealed) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 76 Credit Union Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 78 Public Utilities Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 79 Securities Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 81 Oak Island Treasure Act – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 82 Offshore Licensing Policy Act – Passed 2nd reading, and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.
• Bill No. 83 Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 85 Police Act (amended) – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill no. 87 Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act (amended) – Passed the Committee of the Whole House and is awaiting 3rd reading.
• Bill No. 88 Summary Proceedings Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 89 Personal Health Information Act – Passed 2nd reading; Law Amendments Committee met on November 24, 2010, and is scheduled to meet again on November 30, 2010.
• Bill No. 90 Auditor General Act – Passed 3rd reading and is awaiting Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 93 Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed the Committee of the Whole House and is awaiting 3rd reading.
• Bill No. 94 Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed the Committee of the Whole House and is awaiting 3rd reading.
• Bill No. 95 Consumer Reporting Act (amended) – Passed the Committee of the Whole House and is awaiting 3rd reading.
• Bill No. 97 Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed the Committee of the Whole House and is awaiting 3rd reading.
• Bill No. 98 Solemnization of Marriage Act (amended) – Passed the Committee of the Whole House and is awaiting 3rd reading.
• Bill No. 99 Conflict of Interest Act – Passed 2nd reading, and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.
• Bill No. 100 Labour Relations Act – Passed 2nd reading, and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.
• Bill No. 102 – Tanning Beds Act – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
• Bill No. 103 – Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
• Bill No. 105 – Education Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
• Bill No. 106 – Handicapped Persons’ Education Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
• Bill No. 108 – Nova Scotia Museum Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee
• Bill No. 109 – Weed Control Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
• Bill No. 110 – Animal Protection Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
• Bill No. 111 – Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.
• Bill No. 112 – Halifax Regional Municipality Charter (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Law Amendments Committee.
• Bill No. 113 – Clothesline Act – Passed 1st reading on November 25, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 114 – Anti-idling Act – Passed 1st reading on November 26, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 115 – Public Sector Compensation Disclosure Act – Passed 1st reading on November 26, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.

Status Update on Private Member’s Bills

• Bill No. 2 Health Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 3 Provincial Finance Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 4 Electricity Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 5 Provincial Finance Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 6 Industrial Expansion Fund Transfer Act – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 8 Multi-Year Funding Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 9 Advisory Council on Mental Health Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 11 Diabetic Persons Support Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 12 Life-threatening Illness Student Support Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 14 Sales Tax Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 15 Viola Desmond Day Act – Passed 2nd reading, and was referred to the Law Amendments Committee. The Law Amendments Committee met on May 4, 2010, and has yet to report to the House.
• Bill No. 17 Public Highways Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle in the House.
• Bill No. 20 Health-care Sustainability Advisory Council Act – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 21 Income Tax Act (amended) and Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle in the House.
• Bill No. 25 Emergency Health Services Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 26 Elections Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 27 Elections Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 28 Fire Safety Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 30 Police Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 31 Employment Support and Income Assistance Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 32 Emergency Management Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 34 Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 37 Workers’ Compensation Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 39 Coyote Control Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 40 An Act to Exempt Tidal View Manor in the Town of Yarmouth from Taxation (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 42 Public Service Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 44 Maintenance and Custody Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 45 Day Care Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 48 Elections Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 50 Correctional Services Act (amended) and Police Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 54 Joseph Howe Day Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 56 Special Places Protection Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 57 Income Tax Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 59 Public Utilities Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 60 Green Energy Promotion Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 66 Liquor Control Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 69 Public Highways Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 70 Wilderness Areas Protection Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 71 Early Development Instrument Program Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 73 Forests Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 77 Tax Review (2010-11) Act – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 80 Multiple Sclerosis Liberation Therapy Act – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 84 Motor Vehicle Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 86 Cemeteries Protection Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 92 Agriculture and Marketing Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading; debate was adjourned on 2nd reading.
• Bill No. 96 Multiple Sclerosis Patient Support Act – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 101 Sales Tax Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 116 Homes for Special Care Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading, and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.

Status Update on Private and Local Bills

• Bill No. 43 First Cornwallis Baptist Church Act (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 49 Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, An Act to Incorporate (amended) – Received Royal Assent on May 11, 2010. This Act came into force upon Royal Assent.
• Bill No. 91 Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron Amalgamation Act – Passed 2nd reading, and has been referred to the Private and Local Bills Committee.
• Bill No. 104 – Trustees of Liverpool United Baptist Church Act (amended) – Passed 1st reading on November 23, 2010 and is awaiting debate in principle by the House.
• Bill No. 107 – Public Service Commission of Bridgewater Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Private and Local Bills Committee.
• Bill No. 117 – Yarmouth North Baptist Church Act (amended) – Passed 2nd reading and has been referred to the Private and Local Bills Committee.

THE PROGRESS OF BILLS IN THE NOVA SCOTIA LEGISLATURE

The legislative process begins when a Bill is presented by a Member of the House of Assembly and is given First Reading by the House, without debate.

A Bill is given Second Reading after being debated in principle in the House.

Following Second Reading, Bills are referred to one of the legislative committees – the Law Amendments Committee or Private and Local Bills Committee – for detailed discussion in meetings outside the House. Members of the public can attend the meetings of these Committees and make presentations respecting any Bill. Amendments are frequently considered and may be adopted and included in the Bill when it is reported back to the House.

Bills reported back from the legislative committees are debated, clause by clause, by the members of the House acting as the Committee of the Whole House on Bills. The Bill is then reported back to the House.

The Bill receives Third Reading and the final approval of the House. There may be some debate at this stage but usually the Bill is voted on with no discussion.

The Bill receives Royal Assent when the Lieutenant Governor signs the final version. The Bill is then referred to as an Act, and is assigned a chapter number in the Statutes of Nova Scotia.

Commencement is the day on which the Act takes effect. Ordinarily, an Act takes effect when it is given Royal Assent. Sometimes, however, it provides that it will come into effect only when is it proclaimed to take effect by Order in Counsel to be made by the Cabinet.

Government Bills are introduced by the Minister of the department responsible for the legislation. Private Members Bills are generally introduced by a member of the opposition parties. Government Bills have a higher likelihood of becoming law since the largest party in the Legislative Assembly supports the initiative. Except in a minority government, Private Members Bills are unlikely to be brought forward for substantive debate or become law.

If you wish to be informed when a specific piece of legislation is scheduled to be heard by a legislative committee, please contact us and we will make arrangements for you to be so informed.

If you have any questions regarding the legislation summarized above or would like to receive a copy of any Bill, please contact Jennifer Forster atjforster@coxandpalmer.com or by phone at (902) 491-4107.