Released on April 16, 2002
Legislation introduced today will help families obtain maintenance paymentsfrom parents who try to avoid making payments.
"It is unacceptable some families are not receiving regular payments to
support the growth and development of their children" Justice Minister
Chris Axworthy said. "This change will ensure those families have greater
access to money owed them by parents who refuse to pay."
The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Amendment Act will help the
Maintenance Enforcement Office of Saskatchewan Justice collect from parents
who try to avoid paying child support by funnelling income through a
company they own.
If a person owns or controls a company and does not pay, the company can be
held responsible for the payment.
The legislation also allows the Maintenance Enforcement Office to serve
garnishments by fax, and simplifies the process for withholding drivers
licences from renewal.
To further assist families, Saskatchewan Justice has combined areas in the
department that deal with family issues and created a new Family Justice
Services Branch. The branch will serve as a central contact point for
families on services dealing with maintenance enforcement, court ordered
custody and access assessments, parent education and other family issues.
The 2002/03 budget for the new branch includes $256,000 in increased
funding for one new maintenance enforcement officer, pilot mandatory parent
education classes for Yorkton and Saskatoon, and other innovative programs.
As well, $131,000 in funding from the federal government will allow the
branch to set up a pilot project of an out-of-court alternative process to
change support orders to help low income parents who can agree on changes
to support payments.
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For more information, contact:
Debi McEwen
Saskatchewan Justice
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6043