Note: It does not reflect any retroactive amendment enacted after May 31, 2012.
To find out if an amendment is retroactive, see the coming-into-force provisions
at the end of the amending Act.
C.C.S.M. c. C275
The Provincial Court Act
HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:
In this Act
"board" means the Judicial Inquiry Board established in section 32; (« Commission »)
"Chief Judge" means the judge appointed under this Act as the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba; (« juge en chef »)
"civil servant" means a person who is an employee as defined in The Civil Service Act; (« fonctionnaire »)
"community justice of the peace" means a person appointed as a community justice of the peace under section 40; (« juge de paix communautaire »)
"council" means the Judicial Council established in subsection 37(1); (« Conseil »)
"court" means the Provincial Court of Manitoba; (« tribunal »)
"judge" means a judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba; (« juge »)
"judicial justice of the peace" means a person appointed as a judicial justice of the peace under section 40; (« juge de paix judiciaire »)
"justice of the peace" means a judicial justice of the peace, a staff justice of the peace or a community justice of the peace; (« juge de paix »)
"minister" means the member of the Executive Council charged by the Lieutenant Governor in Council with the administration of this Act; (« ministre »)
"Provincial Court" means the Provincial Court of Manitoba continued under this Act and "Provincial Court (Criminal Division)" means the Provincial Court of Manitoba (Criminal Division) and "Provincial Court (Family Division)" means the Provincial Court of Manitoba (Family Division); (« Cour provinciale »)
"staff justice of the peace" means a person appointed as a staff justice of the peace under section 40. (« juge de paix provenant de la fonction publique »)
S.M. 1989-90, c. 34, s. 2; S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 2; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 2.
PROVINCIAL COURT
Continuation of Provincial Court
The Provincial Court of Manitoba is continued as a court of record.
References to Provincial Court
The Provincial Court of Manitoba may be referred to in Acts of the Legislature, regulations, orders, forms and other documents as: "The Provincial Court".
APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES
The Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint such persons as he or she considers necessary as judges of the court, in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
No person shall be appointed a judge unless the person
(a) is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Manitoba;
(b) is entitled to practise as a barrister and solicitor in Manitoba; and
(c) has practised as a barrister or solicitor in Manitoba for not less than five years, or has other equivalent experience.
Holding office during good behaviour
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the Chief Judge and any other person who is appointed as a full time judge under this Act shall
(a) hold office during good behaviour; and
(b) while the person serves as a judge, reside in the province.
Appointment from list of candidates
An appointment under subsection 3(1) shall be made from a list of candidates that is recommended by a nominating committee convened under subsection (2).
Convening of nominating committee
Where the minister advises the Chief Judge that an appointment is to be made under subsection 3(1), the Chief Judge shall convene a nominating committee, to be known as the Judicial Nominating Committee, composed of
(a) the Chief Judge, who shall be chairperson of the committee;
(b) three persons, who are not lawyers, judges or retired judges, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council;
(c) a judge designated by the judges of the Provincial Court;
(d) a person designated by the president of The Law Society of Manitoba;
(e) a person designated by the president of the Manitoba Branch of The Canadian Bar Association.
In appointing persons under clauses (2)(b), (d) and (e), the importance of reflecting, in the composition of the nominating committee as a whole, the diversity of Manitoba society shall be recognized.
Duties of nominating committee
A nominating committee shall
(a) subject to subsection 3(2), establish criteria for the selection of candidates for appointment under subsection 3(1), which shall include criteria respecting
(i) the assessment of the professional excellence, community awareness and personal suitability of candidates, and
(ii) the diversity of Manitoba society;
(b) advertise for applications and nominations of candidates, in such manner as it may decide;
(c) accept applications and nominations, in such form as it may decide, of candidates; and may invite persons to make application;
(d) evaluate, in such manner as it considers advisable, the application of a candidate, and the nomination of a candidate who consents to his or her nomination;
(e) provide the minister with a list of not fewer than three and not more than six different candidates, who shall not be ranked, for each available position, that the nominating committee recommend as qualified for appointment under subsection 3(1).
Minister may request additional name
Where a candidate named in a list provided to the minister under clause (3)(e) is not willing or able to accept an appointment under subsection 3(1), the minister may ask the nominating committee to recommend another candidate, and the nominating committee may recommend a candidate that it considered in preparing the list, or may advertise for new candidates, or both.
A nominating committee may interview candidates, and may consult such persons as it considers necessary in respect of a candidate.
Confidentiality of information
A nominating committee shall conduct its proceedings in private, and the members shall maintain secrecy in respect of information obtained from or about a candidate.
Notwithstanding subsection (6), a nominating committee may report to the minister on the process of selecting candidates for judicial appointment, and any such report shall not divulge information that identifies a candidate or a person from whom the nominating committee obtains information about a candidate.
S.M. 1989-90, c. 34, s. 3; S.M. 2001, c. 40, s. 2.
Repealed.
S.M. 1993, c. 37, s. 2; S.M. 2001, c. 40, s. 3.
Every judge shall take and subscribe the oath or affirmation of allegiance as required under The Civil Service Act and the following oath or affirmation of office before the Chief Judge or a judge designated by the Chief Judge:
I, of , in the Province of Manitoba, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will duly, faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability perform and fulfil the duties and requirements of the office of judge (Chief Judge) of the Provincial Court of Manitoba to which I have been appointed, and so long as I shall continue to hold office, without fear or favour. So help me God. (Omit last four words where person affirms.)
Forwarded to Executive Council
The oath or affirmation of office and oath or affirmation of allegiance shall be transmitted forthwith to the Chief Judge who shall send them to the Clerk of the Executive Council together with such copies thereof as may be directed by the minister.
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 4, s. 5.
RESIGNATION
A judge may at any time resign his office in writing, signed by him and delivered to the minister.
CONTINUING OR REHEARING MATTERS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
Resignation, retirement or appointment to other court
A judge who resigns, retires or is appointed to another court after starting to hear a matter remains seized of the matter for a period of 12 weeks after the effective date of the resignation, retirement or appointment.
Further evidence or argument may be heard
During the 12-week period referred to in subsection (1), the judge may
(a) continue to hear evidence and argument;
(b) give judgment in the matter; and
(c) make an order, impose sentence or do anything else to complete the matter;
as if the judge has not resigned, retired or been appointed to another court.
Death, suspension, etc. of judge — judgment not given
Subject to the Criminal Code (Canada), if, before giving judgment in a matter,
(a) the judge hearing the matter dies or is suspended or removed from office, or a recommendation is made to remove him or her from office; or
(b) the judge hearing the matter resigns, retires or is appointed to another court, and does not give judgment within the time allowed under subsection (2);
any party to the matter or the Chief Judge may set the matter down for a rehearing by another judge.
The judge rehearing the matter shall deal with it as a new hearing, and shall give judgment and complete the matter as is appropriate.
Death, suspension, etc. of judge — judgment given
Subject to the Criminal Code (Canada), if after giving judgment in a matter
(a) the judge hearing the matter dies or is suspended or removed from office, or a recommendation is made to remove the judge from office, before the matter is completed; or
(b) the judge hearing the matter resigns or retires and does not complete the matter within the time allowed under subsection (2);
any party to the matter or the Chief Judge may set the matter down to be continued by another judge.
Continuing judge to complete matter
The judge before whom the matter is continued may make any order or impose sentence as is appropriate to complete the matter.
Chief Judge sets matter down — judge unable to complete matter
Subject to the Criminal Code (Canada), if the Chief Judge is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a judge before whom a matter has been commenced is not able to complete the matter, the Chief Judge may, after consulting with the parties,
(a) if judgment in the matter has not been given, set the matter down for a rehearing by another judge, and in this case subsection (4) applies; or
(b) if judgment in the matter has been given but the matter has not been completed, set the matter down to be continued by another judge, and in this case subsection (6) applies.
S.M. 2005, c. 33, s. 3; S.M. 2010, c. 33, s. 10.
TEMPORARY JUDGES
In this section and in sections 6.2 to 6.4, "temporary judge" means a judge appointed under subsection (2).
Who may be appointed as temporary judge
If the Chief Judge, in his or her discretion, determines that it is in the interests of justice to appoint a temporary judge, the Chief Judge may appoint a person who is
(a) a provincial court judge, as defined in the Criminal Code (Canada), in a province other than Manitoba; and
(b) designated by the Chief Judge of the provincial court in the other province, or the person who holds the equivalent office of the Chief Judge;
as a temporary judge of the court.
Appointment of temporary judge
The appointment may be for
(a) a period of time set out in the appointment; or
(b) a specific case or class of cases set out in the appointment;
or both.
Powers, duties and protection of temporary judge
A temporary judge is subject to the authority of the Chief Judge and has the jurisdiction and protection of a judge under this Act, but other than this section and sections 6, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4 and 7, this Act does not apply to the temporary judge.
Meaning of "incapacity" and "misconduct"
In this section, "incapacity" and "misconduct" have the same meaning as in section 27.
Complaints about temporary judges
Any person may make a complaint in writing to the Chief Judge alleging misconduct or incapacity of a temporary judge.
On receiving a complaint, the Chief Judge shall give a copy of the complaint to the temporary judge who is the subject of the complaint. The Chief Judge may investigate the matter and, with the agreement of both the complainant and the temporary judge, resolve the complaint.
If the complaint about the temporary judge cannot be resolved, the Chief Judge shall refer the complaint to the Chief Judge of the provincial court in the other province, or the person who holds the equivalent office in that province, to be dealt with as a complaint about the judge in that other province.
Chief Judge to include complaints in annual report
Subject to any limitations imposed by legislation in the other province, after receiving notice from the other province of a decision on the complaint about the temporary judge, the Chief Judge shall report on the complaint, in accordance with section 39.9, in his or her annual report to the minister.
Agreements with other provinces
The minister, on behalf of the government, may enter into an agreement with the government of another province
(a) providing that the Government of Manitoba reimburse the government of the other province for the salary and expenses of temporary judges; and
(b) providing for reciprocal or other arrangements between the Government of Manitoba and the government of the other province with respect to
(i) temporary judges, and
(ii) judges of the Provincial Court appointed on a temporary basis in that other province.
SENIOR JUDGES
A retired judge who advises the Chief Judge of his or her availability for judicial duties may be designated as a senior judge.
Assigning senior judges for judicial duties
When, in the opinion of the Chief Judge, an additional judge is required to conduct the business of the court, the Chief Judge may assign a senior judge for judicial duties.
Oaths or affirmations required
A senior judge must take the oaths or affirmations that are required under subsection 4(1) before undertaking any judicial duties.
Limitation on assigning duties to senior judge
The Chief Judge must not assign a senior judge to judicial duties if the remuneration of the senior judge for performing those judicial duties would have the effect of exceeding, for the government's fiscal year, an amount equal to the annual salary of one judge or the annual salaries of the number of judges prescribed in the regulations.
A senior judge is subject to the authority of the Chief Judge and has the powers, authority and jurisdiction of a judge appointed under section 3.
The following provisions apply, with necessary changes, to a senior judge:
(a) section 6 (continuing or rehearing matters in certain circumstances);
(b) Part IV (complaints about judicial conduct);
(c) section 71 (exemption from liability);
(d) section 72 (partisan political activities forbidden).
A senior judge must not engage in any remunerative occupation that is inconsistent with the office of judge.
For each full day of performing judicial duties, a senior judge shall be paid a per diem amount that is equal to the annual salary of a judge appointed under section 3, divided by the annual number of sitting days of the court, as specified in the regulations. For each half day or less, a senior judge shall be paid one-half of the per diem amount.
A senior judge is entitled to be reimbursed for expenses in respect of his or her services as a senior judge, in accordance with the regulations.
A senior judge may advise the Chief Judge that he or she is no longer available to be a senior judge.
JURISDICTION
Every judge has jurisdiction throughout Manitoba and
(a) shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties conferred or imposed upon a judge by or under any Act of the Legislature or of the Parliament of Canada;
(b) has all the power and authority now vested by or under any Act of the Legislature in a justice of the peace or a juvenile, youth or family court or a judge thereof;
(c) may exercise all the powers and perform all the duties conferred or imposed on one or more justices of the peace under any Act of the Parliament of Canada; and
(d) repealed, S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 3;
(e) is ex officio a justice of the peace and commissioner for oaths.
S.M. 1991-92, c. 41, s. 6; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 3.
CHIEF JUDGE
The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint a person as Chief Judge and, where the person is not a judge of the court, as a judge of the court, from a list of candidates that is recommended by a nominating committee convened under subsection 3.1(2).
Where an appointment is to be made under subsection (1), the minister shall appoint a person to convene and be chairperson of a nominating committee, which shall be composed of the chairperson and persons named under clauses 3.1(2)(b) to (e); and the minister shall advise the chairperson of whether the nominating committee is to recommend only judges, or any person qualified under subsection 3(2).
A nominating committee convened under subsection (2) has the duties, and shall proceed in the manner, set out in section 3.1.
S.M. 1989-90, c. 34, s. 4; S.M. 1993, c. 48, s. 7.
The Chief Judge holds office for a non-renewable term of seven years from the time of his or her appointment.
A Chief Judge whose term expires continues to be a judge of the court and shall carry out the functions of a judge of the court. He or she is entitled to receive the greater of the current annual salary of a judge of the court and the annual salary he or she received immediately before the term expired.
This section applies to a judge appointed as the Chief Judge after this section comes into force.
The Chief Judge
(a) has general supervisory powers in respect of judges, justices of the peace and staff in matters that are assigned by law to the court, and may establish a code of ethics for justices of the peace, including a conflict of interest policy; and
(b) is responsible for the judicial functions of the court, including direction over sittings of the court and the assignment of judicial duties.
S.M. 1989-90, c. 34, s. 4; S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 4; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 4.
A person who is appointed as Chief Judge may at any time resign from the appointment as Chief Judge and thereafter carry out the functions of a judge of the court.
Designation of Acting Chief Judge by the Chief Judge
The Chief Judge may designate an Associate Chief Judge to act in his or her place during the absence or illness of the Chief Judge.
Designation of Acting Chief Judge by minister
If a designation under subsection (1) has not been made, or if the office of the Chief Judge is vacant, the minister may designate an Associate Chief Judge or a judge of the court to act in the place of the Chief Judge.
Appointment of Associate Chief Judges
The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the minister, after consultation with the Chief Judge, appoint from among the judges such Associate Chief Judges as may be required for the proper administration of the court.
ASSOCIATE CHIEF JUDGES
Term for Associate Chief Judges
An Associate Chief Judge holds office for a non-renewable term of seven years from the time of his or her appointment.
An Associate Chief Judge whose term expires continues to be a judge of the court and shall carry out the functions of a judge of the court. He or she is entitled to receive the greater of the current annual salary of a judge of the court and the annual salary he or she received immediately before the term expired.
This section applies to a judge appointed as an Associate Chief Judge after this section comes into force.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Judge to devote full time to duties
Subject to subsections (4) and (5), no judge appointed on a full-time basis shall
(a) carry on, engage in, practise or conduct a business, trade, profession or occupation; or
(b) act as a commissioner, arbitrator, adjudicator, umpire or mediator on a matter or proceeding, except with the approval of the Chief Judge.
Except as provided in subsection (3), no judge appointed on a full-time basis shall accept any salary, fee or other remuneration for doing any of the things mentioned in clause (1)(a) or (b) or for acting as adjudicator pursuant to an appointment and designation under The Human Rights Code.
A judge acting as commissioner, arbitrator, adjudicator, referee, umpire, conciliator or mediator in any matter or proceeding on the direction of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, a judge acting as adjudicator pursuant to an appointment and designation under The Human Rights Code, and a judge acting as persona designata under The Law Enforcement Review Act or The Provincial Police Act, may receive reasonable travelling and other expenses incurred by him away from his ordinary place of residence while acting in that capacity or in the performance of the duties and services of the office in the same amount and under the same conditions as if he were performing a function or duty as a judge if the expenses are paid by the government in respect of a matter within the legislative authority of the Legislature.
A judge newly appointed on a full-time basis may, with the approval of the Chief Judge, wind up his practice of law or any other business, commercial or professional activities in which he was engaged within a reasonable time of his appointment.
Acting as master or registrar of Q.B.
Nothing in this section prevents a judge from acting, with the approval of the Chief Judge, as a master or deputy registrar of the Court of Queen's Bench.
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 31, s. 5; S.M. 1989-90, c. 34, s. 6; S.M. 1992, c. 44, s. 13.
Repealed.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
In this section,
"associate chief judge's designated average" means, for a year in which a compensation committee is appointed, the average of three annual salary rates, one for each of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, being paid on April 1 of that year to the associate chief judges of the provincial courts of those provinces; (« traitement désigné du juge en chef adjoint »)
"chief judge's designated average" means, for a year in which a compensation committee is appointed, the average of three annual salary rates, one for each of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, being paid on April 1 of that year to the chief judges of the provincial courts of those provinces; (« traitement désigné du juge en chef »)
"compensation committee" means a Judicial Compensation Committee appointed under subsection (2); (« comité chargé de la rémunération »)
"judge's designated average" means, for a year in which a compensation committee is appointed, the average of three annual salary rates, one for each of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, being paid on April 1 of that year to the full-time judges of the provincial courts of those provinces, other than the chief judge or the associate chief judges. (« traitement désigné du juge »)
Compensation committee appointed
On or before April 1, 2002 and on or before April 1 in every third year after 2002, a compensation committee, to be known as the Judicial Compensation Committee, must be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council in accordance with subsections (5) to (10).
Review by compensation committee
A compensation committee shall investigate, report and make recommendations with respect to the following:
(a) the salaries to be paid to
(i) the Chief Judge,
(ii) an Associate Chief Judge, and
(iii) a judge of the court, other than the Chief Judge or an Associate Chief Judge; and
(b) the benefits to be paid, including pensions, vacations, sick leave, disability benefits, travel expenses and allowances, to the Chief Judge, an Associate Chief Judge and a judge of the court.
Effective period of recommendations
The recommendations of a compensation committee must be made for the fiscal year of the government that begins on April 1 of the year in which the compensation committee is appointed, and for each of the next two fiscal years.
Composition of compensation committee
A compensation committee consists of the following three members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council:
(a) one person designated by the minister;
(b) one person designated by the judges of the court;
(c) one person, who shall act as chairperson, designated by the members who are designated under clauses (a) and (b).
No judge or retired judge of the court, or of any other court, and no person employed in the civil service of the government or by a crown corporation, or retired from such employment, shall be appointed as a member of a compensation committee.
On or before January 15 of a year in which a compensation committee must be appointed, the minister must notify the judges of the court that a compensation committee will be appointed and designate a member under clause (5)(a).
On or before January 31 of a year in which a compensation committee must be appointed, the judges of the court must designate a member under clause (5)(b).
On or before March 1 of a year in which a compensation committee must be appointed, the persons referred to in clauses (5)(a) and (b) must designate a chairperson under clause (5)(c).
If no agreement re chairperson
If the persons referred to in clauses (5)(a) and (b) are unable to agree on a chairperson, the Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Manitoba, after consultation with the minister and the judges, shall designate the chairperson on or before March 31.
The term of a member of a compensation committee ends when the compensation committee's report is submitted.
In the event of the absence or incapacity of a member, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may, in accordance with subsections (5) and (6), appoint a substitute member for the unexpired portion of the term.
Conduct of review by compensation committee
To the greatest extent possible, a compensation committee must conduct its review in an inquisitorial manner, assessing evidence it determines is relevant and necessary to enable it to make the recommendations referred to in subsection (3).
Powers of compensation committee
A compensation committee
(a) may interview persons, examine records and documents and make inquiries as the compensation committee considers necessary;
(b) may establish its own rules of practice and procedure for the inquiries, interviews and examinations referred to in clause (a) and for the conduct of hearings; and
(c) has the powers, protection and privileges of commissioners under Part V of The Manitoba Evidence Act.
A member of the compensation committee is entitled to receive remuneration and reimbursement for expenses, as determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
In making its report and recommendations, the compensation committee must consider the following factors:
(a) the nature of the judges' role and the independence of the judiciary;
(b) the need to attract and retain excellent applicants to the judiciary and the statistics with respect to the recruitment, retention, resignation and retirement of judges;
(c) the need to provide fair and reasonable compensation for judges in light of prevailing economic conditions in Manitoba and the overall economic and financial state of the Manitoba economy;
(d) the principle that public resources must be managed efficiently and effectively in the context of the government's current financial position;
(e) the cost of living and the growth or decline in real per capita income in Manitoba;
(f) the manner in which the compensation package paid to judges in Manitoba compares to judicial compensation packages in other jurisdictions in Canada, having regard to the differences between jurisdictions.
Salary information required in the report
The compensation committee's report must set out the following information as to salaries paid to judges on April 1 of the year in which the compensation committee is appointed:
(a) with respect to the provincial courts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, the salary of the chief judge, the salary of an associate chief judge, and the salary of a full-time judge, for each of those courts;
(b) the chief judge's designated average;
(c) the associate chief judge's designated average;
(d) the judge's designated average.
Chairperson to certify salary comparisons for three year period
In the report of the compensation committee, the chairperson must certify, for the fiscal year in which the compensation committee is appointed and for each of the next two fiscal years,
(a) the salary recommended for the Chief Judge for each year, and whether that salary is equal to or less than the chief judge's designated average, or whether it is more than the chief judge's designated average;
(b) the salary recommended for an Associate Chief Judge for each year, and whether that salary is equal to or less than the associate chief judge's designated average, or whether it is more than the associate chief judge's designated average;
(c) the salary recommended for a judge of the court, other than the Chief Judge or an Associate Chief Judge, for each year, and whether that salary is equal to or less than the judge's designated average, or whether it is more than the judge's designated average.
Reasons for recommendations required
The compensation committee must give reasons for each of its recommendations.
Report given to minister and judges
Within 180 days after the compensation committee is appointed, it must give its report, including recommendations, to the minister, the Chief Judge, the Associate Chief Judges and the judges of the court. Until the report is tabled in the Legislative Assembly, it is confidential and must not be made public or disclosed to a person outside the government or the provincial judiciary.
Within seven days after the report of the compensation committee is submitted, the chief judge, an associate chief judge, a judge of the court or the minister, may request the compensation committee to clarify the report or a part of it. The compensation committee must consider the request and provide any clarification to the persons who received the report under subsection (20) within 15 days after the request is made. The report is not considered to be submitted until the clarification is provided.
The minister shall table the report of the compensation committee in the Assembly within 15 days after it is submitted if the Assembly is sitting, or if it is not, within 15 days after the beginning of the next sitting.
When recommendations re salaries are binding
For each year for which the compensation committee makes recommendations, the following recommendations are binding on both the government and the judges:
(a) the salary recommended for the Chief Judge for the year, if the chairperson of the compensation committee certifies with respect to that year that the recommended salary is equal to or less than the chief judge's designated average;
(b) the salary recommended for an Associate Chief Judge for the year, if the chairperson of the compensation committee certifies with respect to that year that the recommended salary is equal to or less than the associate chief judge's designated average;
(c) the salary recommended for a judge of the court other than the Chief Judge and an Associate Chief Judge, for the year, if the chairperson of the compensation committee certifies with respect to that year that the recommended salary is equal to or less than the judge's designated average.
Referral to standing committee
Within 20 days after the report of the compensation committee is tabled, the recommendations of the compensation committee, except those that are binding on the government under subsection (23), must be referred to a standing committee.
The standing committee must complete its report to the Assembly within 120 days after the date of referral.
The chairperson of the standing committee must present the report to the Assembly within five days after the report is completed if the Assembly is sitting, or if it is not, within five days after the beginning of the next sitting.
Report of standing committee re recommendations
With respect only to those recommendations of the compensation committee that have been referred to it, the standing committee may in its report
(a) accept one or more of the recommendations;
(b) reject one or more of the recommendations; or
(c) reject one or more of the recommendations and set the salaries or benefits that are to be substituted for the salaries or benefits proposed by the rejected recommendations;
and if the standing committee rejects a recommendation, it must provide reasons for each recommendation rejected.
Implementing recommendations if vote in Assembly
If a vote of concurrence takes place in the Assembly within 21 days after the standing committee's report is presented, the recommendations respecting salaries and benefits that are contained in the report of the standing committee and concurred in by the Assembly must be implemented in accordance with the vote.
Implementing recommendations if no vote in Assembly
If no motion of concurrence is voted on in the Assembly within 21 days after the standing committee's report is presented, the recommendations of the compensation committee respecting salaries and benefits must be implemented.
Any time period within which the standing committee or the Assembly must act under this section
(a) shall, if the Assembly is dissolved, be suspended until 15 days after the beginning of the first session of the next Assembly; and
(b) may be extended, by resolution of the Assembly, for a period of time that is reasonably necessary to respond to dire and exceptional circumstances confronting the Assembly or the government.
The government must, with due diligence and reasonable dispatch, take whatever steps are necessary to implement the recommendations referred to in subsections (23), (28) and (29).
Costs of compensation committee process
The judges of the court are entitled to costs prescribed in the regulations with respect to their participation in the compensation committee process. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing costs under this subsection and may set a total limit on the costs.
S.M. 1989-90, c. 34, s. 7; S.M. 2001, c. 40, s. 8.
ANNUAL REPORT
Annual report re administrative accountability to the public
Within three months after the end of each fiscal year of the government, beginning with the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2003, the Chief Judge must prepare an annual report about the activities and functioning of the court during the year.
Information to be included in annual report
The annual report must contain the following information:
(a) the number and type of cases and proceedings according to categories of accused;
(b) the number and type of cases and proceedings, including final dispositions, reviews and inquests;
(c) the availability of trial dates;
(d) the contingent liability of the government for public funds that results from unused vacation leave or retirement allowances of the judges;
(e) the effective utilization of the court, including the average daily use of courtrooms by the Provincial Court in Winnipeg and in locations outside Winnipeg;
(e.1) the number of inquests conducted under The Fatality Inquiries Act;
(e.2) with respect to each inquest report under The Fatality Inquiries Act completed that year, the length of time from the completion of the inquest until the report was completed;
(f) any other information that, in the opinion of the Chief Judge, should be made available to the public to promote public understanding of the courts and the role of the judiciary;
(g) any other information that may be required by the regulations concerning the operation, functioning and administration of the court, including statistical information.
Annual report submitted to minister by Chief Judge
The Chief Judge must submit the annual report to the minister who must table it in the Assembly within 15 days after receiving it if the Assembly is sitting, or if it is not, within 15 days after the beginning of the next sitting.
Annual report made available to the public
The minister shall ensure that the report is made available to the public after it has been tabled in the Assembly. If the Assembly is not sitting when the minister receives the report, the minister must make it available to the public within 15 days after receiving it.
The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations
(a) respecting information that is required to be included in an annual report under clause (2)(g);
(b) respecting the form and manner in which the information required to be included in an annual report is presented.
S.M. 2001, c. 40, s. 8; S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 8.
The Chief Judge shall, whenever necessary and at least once in each year, convene a meeting of the judges for the purpose of dealing with matters relating to the administration of and practice in the courts or for any purpose relating to the administration of justice.
Court sittings and judge's residence
The minister may, after consultation with the Chief Judge, designate
(a) places in the province where the court shall sit; and
(b) the place where a judge appointed on a full-time basis shall establish residence.
Where a judge establishes residence in accordance with clause (1)(b), or before the coming into force of this subsection had established residence in the designated place, the judge shall not afterwards
(a) be required to move the residence to another place, unless the judge consents to the move; or
(b) move the residence outside the designated place unless the Chief Judge, after consultation with the minister approves the move.
PROVINCIAL COURT (CRIMINAL DIVISION)
Establishment of Criminal Division
There shall be a criminal division of the Provincial Court known as: "The Provincial Court of Manitoba (Criminal Division)".
References to Criminal Division
The Provincial Court of Manitoba (Criminal Division) may be referred to in Acts of the Legislature, regulations, orders forms and other documents as: "The Provincial Court (Criminal Division)".
The Provincial Court (Criminal Division) shall hold sittings at any place designated by the minister.
Repealed.
PROVINCIAL COURT (FAMILY DIVISION)
Establishment of Family Division
There shall be a family division of the Provincial Court known as: "The Provincial Court of Manitoba (Family Division)".
The Provincial Court of Manitoba (Family Division) may be referred to in Acts of the Legislature, regulations, orders, forms and other documents as: "The Provincial Court (Family Division)".
The Provincial Court (Family Division) shall hold sittings at any place designated by the minister.
Repealed.
The Provincial Court (Family Division)
(a) is a youth justice court for the purpose of dealing with young persons and has all the powers vested in a youth justice court under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Canada);
(b) has power to try any child charged with an offence against the laws of Manitoba; and
(c) has power to deal with all causes and matters where a jurisdiction is conferred by any Act upon a family court or a judge thereof or upon the Provincial Court (Family Division) or a judge thereof or upon a youth court or a judge thereof.
Jurisdiction respecting enforcement
For the purpose of enforcement of judgments or orders made under any Act of the Legislature, The Provincial Court (Family Division)
(a) has the like powers as are possessed by the Court of Queen's Bench of enforcing its judgments and orders in any part of the province, and may issue the like writs and processes as may be issued by that court, and such writs and processes have like force and effect as though issued out of the Court of Queen's Bench; and
(b) may examine or cause to be examined, a judgment debtor touching his estate and effects and his property or means and any disposition thereof, and may, upon the examination or on default in appearance thereat by the debtor or in the case of default of payment, order that during the continuance of the default the debtor, as against the judgment creditor, be deprived of all exemptions to which he is entitled under The Executions Act or The Garnishment Act.
Filing of maintenance orders in Family Division
A person entitled to alimony or maintenance payments under a judgment or order of the Court of Queen's Bench may file a copy of the judgment or order in the Provincial Court (Family Division) and when so filed the judgment or order may be enforced in the manner as if the judgment or order had been made by a judge of the Provincial Court (Family Division) under The Family Maintenance Act.
The following definitions apply in sections 20.2 to 20.5.
"designated mediator" has the same meaning as in section 41 of The Court of Queen's Bench Act. (« médiateur désigné »)
"family evaluator" has the same meaning as in section 41 of The Court of Queen's Bench Act. (« enquêteur familial »)
"family proceeding" means a family proceeding within the meaning of section 41 of The Court of Queen's Bench Act where The Provincial Court (Family Division) has jurisdiction. (« instance en matière familiale »)
Referral to designated mediator
Where a judge is of the opinion that an effort should be made to resolve an issue in a family proceeding otherwise than at a formal trial, the judge may, at any stage of the proceeding, refer the issue to a designated mediator.
A designated mediator to whom an issue is referred under subsection (1) shall attempt to resolve the issue.
Mediation by designated mediator
Subject to subsection (3), unless the parties otherwise agree, neither
(a) a designated mediator who renders services
(i) under section 20.2 of this Act or section 47 of The Court of Queen's Bench Act, or
(ii) at the request of the parties; nor
(b) a party to the mediation;
is competent or compellable to give evidence in a family proceeding in respect of
(c) a written or oral statement made by a party during the mediation; or
(d) knowledge or information acquired during the mediation by a person referred to in clause (a) or (b).
Mediation by private practising mediator
Subject to subsection (3), unless the parties otherwise agree, if the parties have agreed in writing that the mediation process will be confidential, neither
(a) a private practising mediator who renders mediation services to parties; nor
(b) a party to the mediation;
is competent or compellable to give evidence in a family proceeding in respect of
(c) a written or oral statement made by a party during the mediation; or
(d) knowledge or information acquired during the mediation by a person referred to in clause (a) or (b).
Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply with respect to a proceeding under Part III (Child Protection) of The Child and Family Services Act.
If a judge is of the opinion that a report of a family evaluator is required at a hearing with respect to custody, access or a related family matter, the judge may by order appoint a family evaluator.
A family evaluator appointed under subsection (1) shall interview the parties and such other persons as may be appropriate and shall provide to the court a report containing information and opinion relevant to custody, access or a related family matter that is in issue in the proceeding.
Family evaluator may be witness
Where a report is submitted to the court by a family evaluator appointed under section 20.4, the family evaluator may be called as a witness and may be cross-examined by all parties.
Removal of action from one place to another
A judge in the Provincial Court (Family Division) may order that an action or proceeding brought or taken in one place be removed to or heard in another place at which the Provincial Court (Family Division) holds sittings.
Where an action or proceeding is removed from one place to another under this section, it shall be in the same plight and condition as it was at the time of the removal and thereafter it may be proceeded with as if it had been commenced in the place to which it has been removed.
Transfer of action to Queen's Bench
Where an action or proceeding in the Provincial Court (Family Division) could have been brought in the Court of Queen's Bench, any party to the action or proceeding may, with the consent of all parties to the action or proceeding, apply to the Provincial Court (Family Division) at any time before the date for hearing is fixed, to have the action or proceeding referred to the Court of Queen's Bench, and the Provincial Court (Family Division) shall refer the action or proceeding and transfer all pleadings and documents filed in the action or proceeding in the Provincial Court (Family Division) to the Court of Queen's Bench, and the Court of Queen's Bench shall receive the action or proceeding, including any counterclaims, and all pleadings and documents filed in connection therewith, and those pleadings and documents shall be deemed to be pleadings and documents filed in the Court of Queen's Bench.
Where an action or proceeding is transferred to the Court of Queen's Bench under this section, it shall be in the same plight and condition as that in which it was at the time of the transfer, and thereafter it may be proceeded with as if it had been commenced in the Court of Queen' Bench.
Where an action or proceeding is transferred to the Court of Queen's Bench under this section, the parties to the action or proceeding are responsible for amending and may amend their pleadings in the Court of Queen's Bench to comply with the rules and practice of the Court of Queen's Bench.
No appeal from consent judgment
No judgment or order of the Provincial Court (Family Division), by the consent of parties is subject to an appeal, except by leave of the Provincial Court (Family Division).
Provision for appeal generally
Subject to section 23, and except in an action or proceeding where an Act applicable thereto provides for an appeal in another manner, a person directly affected by a judgment or order of the Provincial Court (Family Division) may appeal therefrom to the Court of Appeal.
An appeal to the Court of Appeal does not operate as a stay of execution or of proceedings under the judgment or order appealed from, but a judge of the Provincial Court (Family Division) or a judge of the Court of Appeal, may order a stay either unconditionally or upon terms.
Where a judgment or order of the Provincial Court (Family Division) is appealed under this section, the clerk of the Provincial Court (Family Division) upon request in writing of the appellant, shall transmit to the Registrar of the Court of Appeal all pleadings, papers and documents filed in the Provincial Court (Family Division) in the action.
Proceedings not invalid for lack of form
No judgment or order or proceeding had or made in the Provincial Court (Family Division) concerning any matter or thing arising under an Act of the Legislature shall be quashed, set aside or vacated for any lack of formality or form.
The judges of the Provincial Court (Family Division), or a majority of them, meeting together, may make rules
(a) regulating the pleading, practice and procedure in the Provincial Court (Family Division);
(b) allowing and regulating service out of Manitoba;
(c) respecting the venue of any action or proceeding brought or taken in the Provincial Court (Family Division);
(d) prescribing a tariff of fees to be allowed to barristers, attorneys and appraisers in actions or proceedings brought or taken in the Provincial Court (Family Division);
(e) prescribing forms for use in the Provincial Court (Family Division);
(f) respecting any other matter or thing in the Provincial Court (Family Division).
Subject to The Regulations Act, all rules and amendments thereto made under subsection (1) have the same force and effect as if they were embodied in and formed part of this Act.
The rules in force immediately before the coming into force of this Act, remain in force after the coming into force of this Act as though they had been made under this section, until they are repealed or amended by rules made under this section.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT JUDICIAL CONDUCT
In this Part,
"administrator" means the person appointed as administrator under section 38; (« administrateur »)
"incapacity" means the inability of a judge to perform his or her duties as a result of a physical or mental condition or disorder; (« incapacité »)
"misconduct" includes
(a) conduct unbecoming a judge, and
(b) neglect of duty by a judge. (« inconduite »)
S.M. 1993, c. 48, s. 51; S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 7; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 7.
COMPLAINTS
Any person may make a complaint to the Chief Judge alleging misconduct by a judge or the incapacity of a judge, and the complaint shall be dealt with in accordance with this Part.
Despite subsection (1), if the Chief Judge is the subject of a complaint, the complaint shall be made to the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench.
A complaint shall be in writing and signed by the complainant.
Upon request, the administrator shall arrange for the provision of assistance to any person in the preparation of a complaint.
On receiving a complaint, the Chief Judge shall give a copy of the complaint to the judge who is the subject of the complaint.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 8.
Reassignment of judge during investigation
The Chief Judge may reassign a judge who is the subject of a complaint to administrative duties or to a different place until the complaint is finally disposed of.
Chief Judge may investigate on own initiative
In addition to investigating a complaint received under subsection 28(1), the Chief Judge may, on his or her own initiative, investigate any matter respecting misconduct by a judge or the incapacity of a judge that comes to his or her attention, and the matter shall be dealt with in the same manner as a complaint is dealt with under this Part.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 9.
After receiving a complaint the Chief Judge may
(a) resolve the complaint if the Chief Judge obtains the agreement of the complainant and the judge;
(b) if the Chief Judge is of the opinion that there is no basis for the complaint or that a more appropriate avenue should be pursued by the complainant, advise the complainant of that fact; or
(c) refer the complaint in writing to the board for investigation.
Complaints referred directly to board
Despite subsection (1), the Chief Judge shall refer a complaint to the board if
(a) the complaint alleges that a judge has committed an indictable offence; or
(b) in the opinion of the Chief Judge, the alleged misconduct by the judge may amount to conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute.
The Chief Judge shall give the complainant and the judge who is the subject of the complaint notice in writing of his or her decision under subsection (1) within 60 days after the date the complaint was received, and the notice to the complainant shall include information about referring the complaint to the board under subsection (4).
Referral to board by complainant
A complainant who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Chief Judge under clause (1)(b) or who has not been notified within the time period referred to in subsection (3) may, in writing, refer the complaint to the board within 30 days of receiving a copy of the decision, or of the expiry of the time period, as the case may be.
JUDICIAL INQUIRY BOARD ESTABLISHED
The Judicial Inquiry Board is established to perform the following functions:
(a) to investigate complaints under this Part alleging misconduct or incapacity of judges, and to conduct proceedings before the council when charges are laid;
(b) to investigate complaints under Part VI alleging misconduct or incapacity of judicial justices of the peace, and to conduct proceedings before a Court of Queen's Bench judge when charges are laid;
(c) to investigate complaints under The Court of Queen's Bench Act alleging misconduct or incapacity of masters, and to conduct proceedings before the Masters Judicial Council when charges are laid.
The board shall be composed of the following three members:
(a) a lawyer appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on the recommendation of the President of the Manitoba Branch of The Canadian Bar Association;
(b) a person who is not a lawyer, judge or retired judge, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on the recommendation of the minister;
(c) a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench designated by the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench.
No person who is
(a) a member of the council; or
(b) an employee in the civil service as defined in The Civil Service Act;
may be a member of the board.
A member of the board shall hold office for a three-year term and may be reappointed for one further three-year term.
If a member of the board designated under clause (2)(c) ceases to be a judge while a complaint is being investigated, the person remains a member of the board until the board completes all matters with respect to the complaint.
A member of the board continues to hold office after the expiry of his or her term until the member is reappointed or a successor is appointed.
Queen's Bench judge as chairperson
The member designated under clause (2)(c) shall be the chairperson of the board.
Three members of the board constitute a quorum and a majority of the members may make a decision.
The board may engage persons, including counsel, to assist it in its investigation and to represent it before the council, and they are entitled to receive remuneration at a rate approved by the minister.
Powers and protection under Evidence Act
The board has all the powers of commissioners appointed under Part V of The Manitoba Evidence Act, and the board and persons engaged by it have all the protection of commissioners appointed under Part V of that Act.
A member of the board, other than a member designated under clause (2)(c), is entitled to receive remuneration, and all members are entitled to reimbursement for expenses, as determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 10; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 8.
INVESTIGATION BY JUDICIAL INQUIRY BOARD
On referral of a complaint under this Part, the board shall consider the matter and may conduct such investigation as it considers appropriate.
On referral of a complaint, the board shall give notice to the judge who is the subject of the complaint and the Chief Judge.
An investigation shall be conducted in private.
At any person's request, the administrator may confirm or deny that a particular complaint has been referred to the board.
Investigation of other matters
The board may investigate any other matter arising in respect of the judge's misconduct or incapacity in the course of an investigation and, if it does so,
(a) it shall give notice to the judge and the Chief Judge; and
(b) the matter shall be dealt with in the same manner as a complaint is dealt with under this Part.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 11.
After considering the complaint, the board may
(a) resolve the complaint, if it obtains the written agreement of the complainant and the judge;
(b) decide that no further action is required with respect to the complaint; or
(c) formulate a charge of misconduct or incapacity against the judge, stating the grounds for the charge.
If a charge is formulated under clause (1)(c), the board shall lay the charge before the council.
Charge public, subject to exception
The administrator shall make a copy of the charge available for public inspection, but if the charge involves an allegation of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment by the judge, the board may direct that the copy of the charge that is made available to the public not disclose the identity of the complainant or any information that could disclose the identity of the complainant.
The board shall give the judge who is the subject of the complaint, the complainant and the Chief Judge
(a) a copy of its decision and reasons, if the board makes a decision under clause (1)(a) or (b); or
(b) a copy of the charge laid before the council, if the board makes a decision under clause (1)(c).
The decision of the board under subsection (1) is final and no appeal lies from the decision.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 12.
Reassignment or suspension of judge
On receiving a copy of a charge formulated against a judge, the Chief Judge may
(a) reassign the judge under section 29;
(b) suspend the judge with pay until the council makes a decision with respect to the charge; or
(c) suspend the judge without pay until the council makes a decision with respect to the charge, if in the opinion of the Chief Judge the alleged misconduct or incapacity may amount to conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute.
Appeal of suspension without pay
A judge who is suspended without pay under clause (1)(c) may appeal the suspension to The Court of Appeal.
The suspension remains in effect pending an appeal to The Court of Appeal unless the Court, on application, stays the suspension pending the appeal.
The Court of Appeal, on hearing the appeal, may
(a) confirm the suspension; or
(b) quash the suspension and order that all or part of any pay not paid to the judge be paid to the judge.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 13.
JUDICIAL COUNCIL ESTABLISHED
The Judicial Council is established to adjudicate charges that are laid against judges under subsection 35(2).
The council shall be composed of the following six members:
(a) three persons, each of whom is a judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta, British Columbia or Saskatchewan, or the Territorial Court of Yukon or the Northwest Territories, or another jurisdiction specified by regulation, as designated by the Chief Judge of the person's court;
(b) the President of The Law Society of Manitoba, or another member of the Law Society designated by the President;
(c) two persons who are not lawyers, judges or retired judges, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on the recommendation of the minister.
The request for members to be designated under clause (2)(a) shall be made on a rotating basis to the jurisdictions referred to in that clause.
No person who is
(a) a member or former member of the board; or
(b) an employee in the civil service as defined in The Civil Service Act;
may be a member of the council.
If three persons are not designated under clause (2)(a), the Lieutenant Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the minister after the minister consults with the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench or the Chief Judge, appoint
(a) a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench; or
(b) a judge of the Provincial Court, other than the Chief Judge;
to be a substitute member of the council in place of a member referred to in clause (2)(a) and in this case, the substitute member is deemed to be a member appointed under clause (2)(a).
A member of the council under clause (2)(a) or (b) holds office until the council completes all matters with respect to a particular charge or set of charges against a judge.
A member of the council appointed under clause (2)(c) shall hold office for a three-year term and may be reappointed for one further three-year term.
A member of the council appointed under clause (2)(c) continues to hold office after the expiry of his or her term until the member is reappointed or a successor is appointed.
Judicial member to be chairperson
The members of the council shall choose a member designated under clause (2)(a) to be the chairperson of the council.
The chairperson is entitled to vote, and may cast a second deciding vote if there is a tie.
Six members of the council constitute a quorum and a decision of the council may be made by a majority of the votes cast.
If the members of the council agree, a member may participate in a meeting of the council, other than a hearing of the council, by telephone or other means of communication that permits all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other, and a member so participating is deemed to be present at that meeting.
The council may engage counsel to assist it, and the counsel is entitled to receive remuneration at a rate approved by the minister.
Powers and protection under Evidence Act
The council has all the powers of commissioners appointed under Part V of The Manitoba Evidence Act, and the council and persons engaged by it have all the protection of commissioners appointed under Part V of that Act.
A member of the council, other than a member appointed under clause (2)(a), is entitled to receive remuneration, and all members are entitled to reimbursement for expenses, as determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
The minister may appoint an employee of the civil service as administrator for the purpose of performing the duties of the administrator under this Part, including
(a) providing administrative services for the council, the board and the Chief Judge with regard to the complaint process set out in this Part;
(b) providing information to the public about the complaint process;
(c) receiving and giving notices and other documents on behalf of the Chief Judge, the board or the council under this Part;
(d) making the administrative arrangements necessary for convening the council for the purpose of holding a hearing;
(e) assisting in the preparation of the annual reports under section 39.9; and
(f) performing such other duties relating to the complaint process set out in this Part as the council, the board or the Chief Judge may require.
ADJUDICATION BY JUDICIAL COUNCIL
When a charge against a judge is laid before the council under subsection 35(2), the council shall hold a hearing to adjudicate the charge in accordance with this Part.
Administrator convenes council
On receiving a copy of the charge, the administrator shall
(a) ensure that the Chief Judge of each jurisdiction that is to designate a member of the council under clause 37(2)(a) is promptly notified that the council is being convened; and
(b) promptly notify all other members of the council that the council is being convened.
At least 30 days before the date of the hearing, the council shall give the judge against whom the charge is laid and the chairperson of the board a notice of hearing stating the date, time and place at which the council will hold a hearing, and the notice shall state the particulars of the charge against the judge.
The board has conduct of the proceedings and shall present the case before the council.
The judge against whom the charge is laid is entitled to be present at the hearing before the council and to be represented by counsel.
At a hearing of the council, the oral evidence of witnesses shall be taken on oath and there shall be a full right to cross-examine witnesses and adduce evidence.
The council may, on proof that it has given notice of the hearing to the judge against whom the charge is laid, proceed with the hearing in the absence of the judge and decide on the charge in the same manner as if the judge were in attendance.
Hearing to be public, subject to exception
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (9), a hearing shall be held in public.
At the request of the judge, the complainant or another witness, the council may, by order, exclude the public from a hearing or part of a hearing or may direct that the complainant or another witness be identified only by initials, if it is satisfied that
(a) matters involving public security may be disclosed;
(b) personal or other matters may be disclosed at the hearing that are of such a nature that the desirability of avoiding public disclosure of those matters in the interest of any person affected or in the public interest, outweighs the desirability of adhering to the principle that hearings be open to the public;
(c) a person involved in a criminal proceeding or in a civil suit or proceeding may be prejudiced; or
(d) the safety of a person may be jeopardized.
If the council excludes the public or directs that the complainant or another witness be identified only by initials, it shall provide reasons for doing so.
If the council excludes the public or directs that the complainant or another witness be identified only by initials, it may make any orders it considers necessary to prevent the public disclosure of matters disclosed at the hearing, including banning the publication or broadcasting of those matters.
After completing the hearing, the council may dismiss the complaint or, if it finds that there has been misconduct by the judge or that the judge is incapacitated the council may,
(a) warn the judge;
(b) reprimand the judge;
(c) order that, as a condition of continuing to sit as a judge, the judge apologize to the complainant or to any other person;
(d) order that, as a condition of continuing to sit as a judge, the judge take specified measures, such as receiving education or treatment with or without requiring the judge to take a leave of absence, with or without pay;
(e) suspend the judge with pay for any period;
(f) suspend the judge without pay for a period up to 30 days;
(g) repealed, S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 14;
(h) recommend to the minister that the judge be removed from office and, in that case, suspend the judge without pay until the judge is removed from office under section 39.4.
The council may make any combination of the dispositions set out in clauses (1)(a) to (f).
Disposition re incapacitated judge
If the council finds that a judge is incapacitated, it may recommend to the minister that the judge be retired from office.
Effect of retirement recommendation
Where under subsection (2.1) the council recommends that a judge be retired from office and the judge is receiving pay, the judge shall cease to receive pay from the date of the council's decision.
The council may order that all or part of any pay not paid to a judge because of a suspension without pay imposed under clause 36(1)(c) be paid to the judge, provided that the council does not make a disposition under clause (1)(f) or (h) or subsection (2.1).
S.M. 1989-90, c. 34, s. 8; S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 14.
The costs of, or incidental to, the investigation of a complaint and the hearing of a charge are in the discretion of the council, and the council may order costs in favour of or against the judge against whom the charge is laid.
In determining whether costs should be awarded and the amount of the costs, the council may consider the following factors:
(a) the conduct of any party which tended to shorten or lengthen the duration of the investigation or hearing;
(b) whether any step in the proceeding was improper, vexatious or unnecessary;
(c) whether a party denied or refused to admit anything which should have been admitted;
(d) any other matter relevant to the question of costs.
Costs ordered in favour of a judge under subsection (1) shall be paid by the government.
The council may file an order of costs made against a judge under subsection (1) in the Court of Queen's Bench, and when filed, the order may be enforced in the same manner as a judgment of that Court.
The council shall give its decision under section 39.1, or subsection 39.2(1), 39.5(1) or 39.7(4), and the reasons for it, in writing.
The council shall give a copy of the decision and reasons to
(a) the judge against whom the charge was laid;
(b) the complainant;
(c) the chairperson of the board;
(d) the Chief Judge; and
(e) the minister;
and shall make a copy of the decision available for public inspection.
Retirement or removal of judge from office
If the council made a recommendation under clause 39.1(1)(h) or subsection 39.1(2.1) and an appeal under section 39.6 has been dismissed or the time allowed for an appeal has expired, the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall make an order to remove or retire the judge from office, as the case may be, and to revoke the judge's appointment.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 15.
Costs against judge who resigns or retires
If a judge against whom a charge has been laid before the council resigns or retires from office before the council has made a decision about the charge, the council may continue with the hearing despite the resignation or retirement to determine whether the costs of or incidental to the investigation of the complaint and any hearing of the charge should be paid by the judge.
In determining the amount of any costs ordered against a judge under subsection (1), the council may consider the following factors:
(a) the timeliness of the judge's resignation or retirement and the length of notice given;
(b) whether any step in the proceeding taken by the judge since the complaint was made was improper, vexatious or unnecessary;
(c) whether since the complaint was made the judge denied or refused to admit anything which should have been admitted;
(d) any other matter relevant to the question of costs.
Hearing continued if in public interest
If
(a) a judge against whom a charge has been laid before the council resigns or retires from office before the council has made a decision about the charge; and
(b) the council is of the opinion that it is in the public interest or will aid in the administration of justice to continue the hearing;
the council may continue the hearing and, without making a finding that there was misconduct by the judge or that the judge is incapacitated, may make recommendations to the minister that could aid in the administration of justice in the province.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 16.
APPEAL TO COURT OF APPEAL
The judge against whom a decision was made or the board may, on a question of law, appeal a decision of the council under section 39.1, or subsection 39.2(1), 39.5(1) or 39.7(4) to The Court of Appeal.
The decision of the council remains in effect pending an appeal to The Court of Appeal unless the Court, on application, stays the decision pending the appeal.
The Court of Appeal on hearing the appeal may
(a) make any decision that in its opinion ought to have been made; and
(b) order that all or any part of any pay not paid to a judge because of a suspension or retirement be paid to the judge.
COMPLAINTS RE CHIEF JUDGE
If a complaint is made
(a) about the Chief Judge; or
(b) about another judge while a complaint about the Chief Judge is outstanding;
the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench shall deal with the complaint and shall perform the duties and exercise the powers that the Chief Judge would otherwise perform and exercise with respect to a complaint under this Part.
Suspension of Chief Judge during investigation
If the board lays a charge against the Chief Judge before the council, the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench may, in addition to exercising the powers under subsection 36(1), suspend the Chief Judge as Chief Judge
(a) with pay; or
(b) without pay, if in the opinion of the Chief Justice, the alleged misconduct may amount to conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute;
until the council makes a decision with respect to the charge.
If the Chief Judge is suspended under clause (2)(b), he or she may appeal the suspension to The Court of Appeal and subsections 36(3) and (4) apply, with necessary modifications.
Suspension of Chief Judge after hearing
In addition to making a disposition under section 39.1 or 39.2 with respect to the Chief Judge as a judge, the council may also
(a) suspend the Chief Judge as Chief Judge with pay for any period, or without pay for a period up to 30 days; and
(b) recommend to the minister that the appointment of the Chief Judge as Chief Judge be revoked and, in that case, suspend the Chief Judge until his or her appointment as Chief Judge is revoked under subsection (5).
Revocation of appointment as Chief Judge
If the council makes a decision under clause (4)(b) and an appeal from the suspension has been dismissed, or the time allowed for an appeal has expired, the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall revoke the appointment of the Chief Judge as Chief Judge.
INFORMATION TO PUBLIC
The minister shall provide, in courthouses and elsewhere, information about how a complaint about a judge is made and about the process for dealing with a complaint as set out in this Part.
Annual reports by Chief Judge, board and council
The Chief Judge, the board and the council shall each report annually to the minister on matters under this Part and
(a) the report from the Chief Judge shall include
(i) a summary of the complaints received or dealt with during the year and the decision of the Chief Judge with respect to each complaint,
(ii) a summary of the investigations made under section 30 during the year and the decision of the Chief Judge as a result of each investigation, and
(iii) any other matter respecting the conduct of judges that the Chief Judge considers relevant;
(b) the report from the board shall include a summary of each complaint referred to the board during the year and the decision of the board with respect to the complaint; and
(c) the report from the council shall include a summary of each charge laid by the board during the year and the disposition of the charge by the council and the results of any appeal.
Identifying information not disclosed
The annual reports referred to in subsection (1) shall not include information that might
(a) identify the judge or the complainant if no charge has been laid before the council; or
(b) identify the complainant if a direction was made by the board under subsection 35(3) or an order was made by the council under subsection 39(9) or (11).
The Chief Judge, the board and the council shall provide the minister with the reports referred to in subsection (1) within three months after the end of the year.
The minister shall lay the reports of the Chief Judge, the board and the council before the Legislative Assembly if it is in session within 15 days after receiving them, and if it is not in session, within 15 days after the beginning of the next session.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 6; S.M. 1997, c. 42, s. 17.
NOTICE
A notice or other document to be given under this Part, shall be in writing and may be given by
(a) leaving a copy of the notice or other document with the person; or
(b) sending a copy of the notice or other document, together with an acknowledgement of receipt card, by mail to the person.
Effective notice under clause (1)(b)
Notice given by mail under clause (1)(b) is effective
(a) only if the acknowledgement of receipt card or a post office receipt, bearing a signature that purports to be the signature of the person to be given the notice or document, is received by the person giving the notice or document; and
(b) on the date on which the person to be given the notice or document, receives it.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
APPOINTING JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Appointing justices of the peace
The Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint justices of the peace in accordance with this Part.
Types of justices of the peace
A person appointed as a justice of the peace may be appointed as
(a) a judicial justice of the peace;
(b) a staff justice of the peace; or
(c) a community justice of the peace.
To be eligible to be appointed as a justice of the peace, a person must be at least 18 years old and reside in the province.
The following persons may not be appointed and may not act as a justice of the peace:
(a) a sheriff or bailiff or any other person employed for the service or execution of documents in a civil process;
(b) a police officer or any other person employed to preserve and maintain the public peace;
(c) a lawyer who holds a practising certificate under The Legal Profession Act;
(d) a person who acts as a prosecutor for an offence under a provincial or federal Act, unless it is a private prosecution;
(e) a person who works in a penitentiary or correctional institution;
(f) a member of
(i) the Legislative Assembly,
(ii) a council under The Municipal Act or The City of Winnipeg Charter,
(iii) a local committee, community council or incorporated community council under The Northern Affairs Act, or
(iv) a local committee of a local government district under The Local Government Districts Act;
(g) a person who is employed as an administrative support person to a person referred to in clauses (a) to (f).
JUDICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Appointment recommended by nominating committee
When appointing a judicial justice of the peace, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint only a person from a list of candidates recommended by the nominating committee referred to in subsection (2).
Justice of the Peace Nominating Committee
The Justice of the Peace Nominating Committee ("nominating committee") is composed of
(a) the Chief Judge or his or her judicial designate, who is to be the chairperson; and
(b) two other persons appointed by the minister.
When a position of judicial justice of the peace becomes vacant,
(a) the minister must provide the Chief Judge with the names of the persons he or she has appointed to the nominating committee under subsection (2); and
(b) the Chief Judge must call a meeting of the committee.
Duties of nominating committee
The nominating committee must
(a) establish criteria for the selection of candidates for appointment, which must include criteria respecting
(i) the assessment of the experience, knowledge, community awareness and personal suitability of candidates, and
(ii) the diversity of Manitoba society;
(b) advertise for applications and nominations of candidates, in the manner the committee decides;
(c) accept applications and nominations of candidates, in the form the committee decides;
(d) evaluate, in the manner the committee decides, the applications of candidates, and the nominations of candidates who consent to be nominated; and
(e) provide the minister with a list of at least three and not more than six qualified candidates for each position, who must not be ranked on the list, and if the nominating committee finds fewer than three qualified candidates, certify this to the minister and provide him or her with the names of the qualified candidates.
Provisions applicable to nominating committee
Subsections 3.1(4) to (7) apply to the nominating committee, with necessary changes.
S.M. 1991-92, c. 41, s. 6; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 9.
Exception: another vacancy within six months
Despite section 42, if another position of judicial justice of the peace becomes vacant within six months after the nominating committee provides a list of qualified candidates to the minister, that list may be used in making an appointment to fill the new vacancy.
Once appointed, a judicial justice of the peace must reside in the area of the province that the Lieutenant Governor in Council directs.
When a judicial justice of the peace has been directed to reside in an area of the province, he or she must not afterwards
(a) be directed to move to another area without his or her consent; or
(b) move outside the area unless the Chief Judge approves, after consulting with the minister.
A judicial justice of the peace must devote himself or herself full-time to the duties of a justice of the peace, and subsections 10(1) to (4) (no extra remuneration, etc.) apply with necessary changes.
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 4, s. 5; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 9.
Holding office during good behaviour
A judicial justice of the peace holds office during good behaviour and may not be removed except in accordance with Part VI (Complaints about Judicial Justices of the Peace).
Subject to the regulations, a judicial justice of the peace has jurisdiction throughout Manitoba to exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred or imposed on justices of the peace by or under provincial or federal Acts, such as
(a) conducting trials and sentencing hearings under The Summary Convictions Act;
(b) making protection orders under The Domestic Violence and Stalking Act; and
(c) issuing search warrants.
S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 9; S.M. 2008, c. 42, s. 15.
A judicial justice of the peace is entitled to be paid a salary that is a percentage, set by regulation, of the salary paid to a judge, but the salary must not be less than the salary of the hearing officer designated by the Chief Judge to hear summary conviction matters under The Highway Traffic Act on the day this section comes into force.
Civil Service Act does not apply
A judicial justice of the peace is not subject to The Civil Service Act but is entitled to
(a) vacation leave, sick leave, disability benefits and other benefits that are provided to civil servants in accordance with the Conditions of Employment Regulation under The Civil Service Act; and
(b) reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the policy applicable to civil servants.
Civil Service Superannuation Act applies
A judicial justice of the peace is entitled to pension benefits as if he or she were an employee within the meaning of The Civil Service Superannuation Act.
S.M. 2001, c. 40, s. 9; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 9.
If judicial justice resigns or dies
Subsections 6(1) (continuation of matter before resigning judge) and (2) (death etc. of judge) apply to a judicial justice of the peace, with necessary changes.
STAFF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Appointing staff justices of the peace
When appointing a staff justice of the peace, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint only a civil servant.
A staff justice of the peace has jurisdiction throughout Manitoba to exercise the powers and perform the duties specified in the regulations, such as
(a) swearing informations with respect to offences under the Criminal Code (Canada) or other Acts;
(b) setting hearing dates;
(c) issuing subpoenas;
(d) swearing oaths, affidavits and declarations; and
(e) issuing orders to discharge persons from custody.
As a civil servant, a staff justice of the peace is entitled to be paid the salary, pension benefits, vacation leave, sick leave, disability benefits, and other benefits and expenses that are provided to civil servants in accordance with the applicable collective agreement.
The appointment of a staff justice of the peace must be revoked if
(a) the person ceases to be a civil servant or to perform the duties of a staff justice of the peace; or
(b) the employing authority, after consulting with the Chief Judge, recommends to the minister that the appointment be revoked.
COMMUNITY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Appointing community justices of the peace
When appointing a community justice of the peace, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint only a person who has been recommended by the Chief Judge in accordance with the process set out in the regulations.
The appointment must specify the area of the province in which the person is to serve.
Once appointed, a community justice of the peace must reside in the area that the Lieutenant Governor in Council directs.
S.M. 1994, c. 14, s. 7; S.M. 2001, c. 40, s. 10; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 9.
A community justice of the peace has jurisdiction throughout Manitoba to exercise the powers and perform the duties specified in the regulations, such as
(a) swearing informations with respect to offences under the Criminal Code (Canada) or other Acts;
(b) setting hearing dates;
(c) issuing subpoenas; and
(d) swearing oaths, affidavits and declarations.
A community justice of the peace is entitled to be paid remuneration and expenses in accordance with the regulations.
The appointment of a community justice of the peace must be revoked if the Chief Judge recommends to the minister that the appointment be revoked for any reason, including the following:
(a) the community justice of the peace has moved outside the area in which he or she was directed to live;
(b) the Chief Judge is of the opinion that the community justice is not adequately carrying out his or her responsibilities or is no longer suitable to be a justice of the peace;
(c) the Chief Judge is of the opinion that there is no longer a need for a community justice in the area for which he or she was appointed.
GENERAL MATTERS AFFECTING ALL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Every justice of the peace must take and subscribe an oath or affirmation of allegiance and an oath or affirmation of office, in accordance with section 4, with necessary changes.
A justice of the peace may resign from office by delivering a signed letter of resignation to the Chief Judge, who must then deliver it to the minister.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT JUDICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
The following definitions apply in this Part.
"hearing judge" means the Court of Queen's Bench judge designated to adjudicate a charge under subsection 65(1). (« juge chargé de l'audience »)
"incapacity" and "misconduct" have the same meaning as in section 27, but with respect to a judicial justice of the peace. (« incapacité » et « inconduite »)
COMPLAINTS
Any person may make a complaint to the Chief Judge alleging misconduct or incapacity of a judicial justice of the peace, and the complaint must be dealt with in accordance with this Part.
A complaint must be in writing and signed by the complainant.
Upon request, the administrator must arrange for assistance to be provided to any person in the preparation of a complaint.
Chief Judge or designate to deal with complaint
Upon receiving a complaint, the Chief Judge may deal with it personally or designate another judge to deal with it. If another judge is designated, he or she has the same powers to deal with the complaint as the Chief Judge.
Notice to subject of complaint
Within seven days after receiving the complaint, the Chief Judge must give a copy of it to the judicial justice of the peace who is the subject of the complaint, and inform him or her whether the Chief Judge or a designate will deal with it.
INVESTIGATION BY CHIEF JUDGE OR DESIGNATE
Same investigative process as for judges
The Chief Judge or designate must deal with a complaint alleging misconduct or incapacity of a judicial justice of the peace in the same way that a complaint against a judge is dealt with under Part IV.
Provisions of Part IV that apply
Sections 29 to 36 of Part IV apply, with necessary changes, to a complaint under this Part, except that if a charge of misconduct or incapacity is formulated against a judicial justice of the peace, the board must lay the charge before the Court of Queen's Bench rather than before the council, and must advise the Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench of the charge.
ADJUDICATION BY COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH JUDGE
Designating hearing judge to adjudicate charge
Upon being advised under subsection 64(2) of a charge of misconduct or incapacity against a judicial justice of the peace, the Chief Justice must designate a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench ("hearing judge") to adjudicate the charge.
Hearing judge not to be board member
The hearing judge must not be the judge designated by the Chief Justice as a member of the board.
When holding a hearing to adjudicate a charge against a judicial justice of the peace, the hearing judge has the same powers that the council has when it adjudicates a charge against a judge. Subsections 37(13) (engaging counsel) and (14) (Evidence Act powers) apply and not the rules of court.
At least 30 days before the date of the hearing, the hearing judge must give the judicial justice of the peace and the chairperson of the board a notice of the hearing that states
(a) the date, time and place of the hearing; and
(b) the particulars of the charge against the judicial justice of the peace.
Same adjudication process as for judges
The board has conduct of the proceedings and must present the case before the hearing judge in the same way as a case relating to a judge is presented under Part IV, except that under this Part the case is to be presented to the hearing judge rather than the council.
Provisions of Part IV that apply
Subsections 39(5) to (11) and sections 39.1 to 39.5 of Part IV apply, with necessary changes, to the adjudication of a charge relating to a judicial justice of the peace.
APPEAL
Section 39.6 (appeal to Court of Appeal) applies, with necessary changes, in respect of a decision by a hearing judge on a charge relating to a judicial justice of the peace.
OTHER MATTERS
Other matters relating to complaints
The following provisions of Part IV apply, with necessary changes, in respect of complaints and their investigation and adjudication under this Part:
(a) section 38 (appointing an administrator);
(b) section 39.8 (public information about complaint process);
(c) section 39.9 (annual reports), except that the reference to the council in that section is to be read as a reference to the hearing judge;
(d) section 39.10 (giving notices).
An administrator appointed for the purposes of this Part may be the same person who is appointed as administrator under section 38.
GENERAL
Every judge and justice of the peace has the same power and authority to preserve order in the court in which he or she presides as may be exercised by a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench.
Except as provided in this Act, no action shall lie or be instituted against a judge or justice of the peace for any act done by him or her in the execution of a duty unless the act was done maliciously and without reasonable and probable cause.
Partisan political activities forbidden
No judge or judicial justice of the peace shall engage in partisan political activities in any manner whatever.
Extension of time for translation
Despite this or any other Act, for the purpose of allowing time for translating from French into English or from English into French a document that is filed in the court or served on a party in a proceeding, a judge or a justice of the peace may extend the time within which
(a) a further document is required to be filed in response; or
(b) a proceeding is required to be taken under an Act.
Remitting fines, surcharges and costs
All fines, surcharges and costs collected by a judge or justice of the peace must be remitted without delay to the Minister of Finance or to whomever they are lawfully payable.
The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations
(a) respecting records to be kept by judges and justices of the peace, and the safekeeping, inspection and maintenance of documents and records;
(b) prescribing seals for use by the Provincial Court;
(b.1) for the purpose of subsection 6.5(4), prescribing the number of judges;
(b.2) for the purpose of subsection 6.5(8), specifying the annual number of sitting days of the court;
(b.3) for the purpose of subsection 6.5(9), respecting the expenses for which a senior judge may be reimbursed and governing the allowable amounts for those expenses;
(c) specifying jurisdictions for the purpose of clause 37(2)(a);
(d) for the purpose of subsection 48(1), setting the percentage of the salary paid to a judge to which a judicial justice of the peace is entitled as a salary;
(e) establishing a process for appointing community justices of the peace, which must include
(i) establishing a nominating committee that recommends qualified candidates to the Chief Judge, and
(ii) setting out the duties of the nominating committee;
(f) prescribing the remuneration and expenses to be paid to a community justice of the peace;
(g) respecting the duties to be performed and the powers that may be exercised by judicial justices of the peace, staff justices of the peace and community justices of the peace and, with respect to judicial justices of the peace, specifying those duties and powers that must not be performed despite any enactment;
(h) establishing the number of judicial justices of the peace for the province;
(i) respecting additional transitional provisions;
(j) respecting any matter necessary or advisable to carry out the purpose of this Act.