INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release 2004AG0035-000800 Oct. 4, 2004	Ministry of Attorney General
BILL 62 STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT

VICTORIA – Bill 62, the Statutes Amendment Act was introduced today by Attorney General Geoff Plant and affects the following provincial statutes:

 

• Estate Administration Act – Amendments to the Estate Administration Act will increase the value of small estates from $10,00 to $25,000 and streamline the procedure for the official administrator when dealing with small estates. A consequential amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act will likewise increase the value of small estates for the purpose of that act – to $25,000 from $10,000.

 

• Administrative Tribunals Act – Proposed are five amendments to the act. These changes make no policy changes, and simply correct reference numbering and drafting oversights, and provide clarity on certain key elements of the ATA.

 

• Libel and Slander Act – Two amendments include maintaining the balance between the protection of personal reputation and the protection of free expression. The third amendment corrects a typographical error.

 

• Offence Act - The legislation is necessary to implement an agreement under the federal Contraventions Act, which provides a ticketing option for minor offences under federal statutes. Implementing this agreement is consistent with the goals of promoting the safety and security of communities and increasing the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system.

 

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Media contact:	Kelly Harris Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Attorney General 250 387-1253 250 361-8349 cell
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