JUSTICE--INTERPROVINCIAL SUBPOENA ACT PROCLAIMED
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The Interprovincial Subpoena Act has been proclaimed, Justice
Minister Bill Gillis said today. Lieutenant Governor J. James
Kinley signed the proclamation which signifies the act is now in
force.

The Interprovincial Subpoena Act was introduced in the
Legislature March 29, and was moved quickly through the
legislative process.

The act is designed to recognize and enforce subpoenas from other
jurisdictions with reciprocal legislation. Under the act, a
subpoena can be obtained in Nova Scotia and enforced in another
province in Canada with similar legislation.

The Interprovincial Subpoena Act has already been adopted in
every other common law province in Canada and the Yukon. Once a
subpoena has been obtained in Nova Scotia, it is sent (along with
witness fees and travelling expenses) to a court in a
reciprocating jurisdiction for enforcement. These fees and
expenses have been set by regulation.

The act will provide assistance in compelling the appearance of
necessary witnesses in legal matters. Definitions of court differ
across jurisdictions. In Nova Scotia, a "court" is defined to
include a board, commission, tribunal, or other body that is
designated in regulation. Should another jurisdiction have a more
narrow definition of court, a subpoena issued by a board,
commission, tribunal or other similar body may not always be
enforced.

"I am very pleased we were able to move this bill forward
quickly," said Dr. Gillis. "This is important legislation, not
only for the possible impact it could have on the Westray
Inquiry, but for the assistance it will provide in compelling the
appearance of witnesses in future legal matters."

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Contact: Michele McKinnon  902-424-6811

trp                       Apr. 23, 1996 - 1:51 p.m.