The attorney general statutes amendment act, 2019 was introduced in the legislative assembly on Feb. 27, 2019.

If approved by the legislature, the amendments will affect the following provincial statutes.

Family Law Act:

Proposed amendments will add the statutory authority needed to implement planned reforms to the provincial court family rules to improve family court processes and provide better access and outcomes for families who need assistance in resolving family law matters.

The amendments include giving additional authority to family justice counsellors to conduct needs assessments, clarifying that participation in assessment and dispute resolution processes suspends the running of time limits for starting a spousal support claim under the Family Law Act and adding authority to allow a provincial court judge to review a decision of a judicial officer if they manage some aspects of cases. 

Wills, Estates and Succession Act:

Proposed amendments will support families by providing more flexibility in administering estates and clarifying the rules around beneficiaries who cannot be located. The amendments make a number of minor clarifications and improvements to the act and were developed from recommendations and suggestions from users of the act.