Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act, on September 17th . A
clause-by-clause review was conducted the same day. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.
The bill removes an ambiguity in the act respecting the duration of emergency protection orders. It also gives the Supreme Court authority to correct minor defects in emergency protection orders and it allows the Minister to review emergency protection order transcripts for research, evaluation and training purposes. The bill also increases the maximum fine for offences under the act.
Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act, to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 17. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as you proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.