Released on November 26, 2014
Changes Take Effect December 1
Starting in December, the Maintenance Enforcement Office (MEO) has more tools to collect child and spousal support payments thanks to The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Amendment Act, 2012.
“Saskatchewan has one of the highest collection rates for overdue support payments in Canada,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “These enhancements will further ensure the co-operation of those who owe child or spousal support.”
Some of the changes to the Act include:
- Allowing the MEO to enforce an order against assets in Saskatchewan owned by a person who owes money, even if that person lives elsewhere;
- Updating the procedure for seizing bank accounts, property and employment income by mirroring the language used in The Enforcement of Money Judgments Act;
- The MEO can now obtain information about a recipient, including their address from individuals such as family members, employers and the government; and
- The courts can now suspend a maintenance order for a period of six months.
Saskatchewan’s MEO has one of the highest collection rates in Canada. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, more than 91 per cent of payments due were collected. This resulted in a record setting amount of $41.1 million in collections.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jordan Jackle
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jordan.jackle@gov.sk.ca