If you need an official copy, use the bilingual (PDF) version. This version was current from April 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
Note: It does not reflect any retroactive amendment enacted after June 30, 2020.
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. F20
The Family Maintenance Act
HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:
1 In this Act,
"child" includes a child to whom a person stands in loco parentis; (« enfant »)
"child support guidelines" means the Child Support Guidelines Regulation made under section 39.2; (« lignes directrices sur les pensions alimentaires pour enfants »)
"child support order" means an order for support, maintenance and education of a child made under this Act or any predecessor Act and includes an interim order under section 43; (« ordonnance alimentaire au profit d'un enfant »)
"common-law partner" of a person means
(a) another person who, with the person, registered a common-law relationship under section 13.1 of The Vital Statistics Act, or
(b) another person who, not being married to the person, cohabited with him or her in a conjugal relationship
(i) for a period of at least three years, or
(ii) for a period of at least one year and they are together the parents of a child; (« conjoint de fait »)
"common-law relationship" means the relationship between two persons who are common-law partners of each other; (« union de fait »)
"court" means the Court of Queen's Bench or the Provincial Court; (« tribunal »)
"custody" means the care and control of a child by a parent of that child; (« garde »)
"deputy registrar" means a deputy registrar of the Court of Queen's Bench; (« registraire adjoint »)
"domestic violence" means domestic violence within the meaning of subsection 2(1.1) of The Domestic Violence and Stalking Act that is caused by an act or omission of a person described in subsection 2(1) of that Act; (« violence familiale »)
"judge" means a judge of the court; (« juge »)
"master" means a master or referee of the Court of Queen's Bench; (« conseiller-maître »)
"parent" means a biological parent or adoptive parent of a child and includes a person declared to be the parent of a child under Part II; (« parent »)
"spouse" where used in relation to another spouse means the person who is married to that spouse, and "spouses" means two persons who are married to each other. (« conjoint »)
"stalking" has the same meaning as in subsections 2(2) and (3) of The Domestic Violence and Stalking Act. (« harcèlement criminel »)
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 2; S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4; S.M. 2002, c. 48, s. 6; S.M. 2010, c. 17, s. 6.
2(1) In all proceedings under this Act the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration of the court.
Child's views to be considered
2(2) Where the court is satisfied that a child is able to understand the nature of the proceedings and the court considers that it would not be harmful to the child, the court may consider the views and preferences of the child.
3 [Repealed]
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. D, s. 3.
SPOUSES AND COMMON-LAW PARTNERS
4(1) Spouses and common-law partners have the mutual obligation to contribute reasonably to each other's support and maintenance.
4(2) The obligation under subsection (1) exists without regard to the conduct of either spouse or common-law partner, and in determining whether to make an order under this Act for support and maintenance of a spouse or common-law partner, a court shall not consider the conduct of the spouses or the common-law partners in respect of the marriage or common-law relationship.
4(3) and (4) [Repealed] S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4.
5 The right of a spouse or common-law partner to support and maintenance within the meaning of section 4 includes the right, while living with the other spouse or common-law partner, to periodic reasonable amounts for clothing and other personal expenses and the right to sole discretion free of all interference from the other spouse or common-law partner in the use of those amounts.
Onus of self-support after separation
6 Notwithstanding section 4, a spouse or common-law partner has the obligation after separation to take all reasonable steps to become financially independent of the other spouse or common-law partner.
7(1) In determining whether to make an order under this Part or section 46, what provisions the order should contain, and, in particular, what is reasonable under sections 4, 5 and 6 for the purposes of the order, a court shall consider all the circumstances of the spouses or common-law partners, including the following:
(a) the financial needs of each;
(b) the financial means, earnings and earning capacity of each;
(c) the standard of living of the spouses or common-law partners;
(d) any obligation of either of them for the support and maintenance of a child or a person other than the other spouse or common-law partner;
(e) any contribution of a spouse or common-law partner within the meaning of subsection (2);
(f) the amount of any property settlement made between them;
(g) where one of them is financially dependent upon the other, the measures available for the dependent person to become financially independent of the other, and the length of time and cost involved in taking those measures;
(h) any impairment of the income-earning capacity and financial status of either resulting from the marriage or common-law relationship;
(i) where one of them is financially dependent upon the other, whether and to what extent the dependent spouse or common-law partner is complying with the requirements of section 6;
(j) the duration of the marriage or common-law relationship.
Domestic service as financial contribution
7(2) Any housekeeping, child care or other domestic service performed by a spouse or common-law partner for the family is a contribution to support and maintenance within the meaning of section 4 in the same way as if the spouse or common-law partner were devoting the time spent in performing that service in gainful employment and were contributing the earnings therefrom to support and maintenance.
8(1) Spouses and common-law partners have the mutual obligation to provide each other upon request with information and accountings respecting the financial affairs of the marriage or common-law relationship and the domestic establishment relating thereto and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, with
(a) copies of each other's income tax returns, together with assessment notices;
(b) itemized statements of each other's gross and net earnings, showing all deductions; and
(c) itemized statements of each other's debts and liabilities, if any.
8(2) Where a spouse or common-law partner fails to comply with subsection (1), a court on application by the other spouse or common-law partner, may, in addition to or in substitution for any other penalty to which the non-complying party is liable under this Act, order that party to pay to the applicant an amount not exceeding $5,000.
9(1) A spouse or common-law partner, or any person on his or her behalf, may apply to a court for an order of support and maintenance where
(a) the other spouse or common-law partner is in breach of an obligation under this Part; or
(b) an order is desired to fix the amount of support and maintenance payable to the other spouse or common-law partner.
Effect of separation agreement
9(2) Where spouses or common-law partners have separated by mutual agreement, and one of them has agreed in writing to release the other from liability for support and maintenance or to accept from the other specified periodic amounts for support and maintenance, no order shall be made under this Act for the support and maintenance of the spouse or common-law partner who has so agreed.
Restricted application of subsection (2)
9(3) Subsection (2) does not apply in the case of a separation agreement
(a) where the spouse or common-law partner who is required by the agreement to provide support and maintenance is in default thereunder; or
(b) where the support and maintenance that a spouse or common-law partner agreed therein to provide was inadequate having regard to the circumstances of both spouses or common-law partners at the date of the agreement; or
(c) where the spouse or common-law partner who in the agreement released the other from liability for support and maintenance or agreed to accept from the other specified periodic amounts for support and maintenance has become a public charge or a person in need of public assistance.
9(4) Where an agreement provides that support for a spouse or common-law partner shall only continue while the spouse or common-law partner is chaste that provision is invalid and unenforceable and all other provisions of the agreement shall be enforced without regard to that provision.
10(1) Upon an application under this Part, a court may make an order containing any one or more of the following provisions and may make any provision in the order subject to such terms and conditions as the court deems proper:
(a) That one spouse or common-law partner pay to the other spouse or common-law partner, or to a third person on his or her behalf, such lump sum or periodic sums or both for support and maintenance or for clothing and other personal expenses as the court may determine.
(b) That the spouses be no longer bound to cohabit with one another.
(b.1) A finding as to the period of time during which common-law partners cohabited in a common-law relationship, and the dates their cohabitation commenced and ceased.
(b.2) That one of the spouses or common-law partners has the right to continue occupying the family residence for such length of time as the court may order, notwithstanding that the other spouse or common-law partner alone is the owner or lessee of the residence or that both spouses or common-law partners together are the owners or lessees of the residence.
(c) and (d) [repealed] S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29.
(e) That court costs and reasonable solicitor's costs, in such amounts as the court may determine, be paid by one spouse or common-law partner, or by both spouses or common-law partners, in such proportions as the court may determine.
(f) That a spouse or common-law partner, or his or her employer, partner or principal, as the case may be, provide the other spouse or common-law partner with any information, accountings or documents requested under section 8 and, where the Crown is the employer, this clause binds the Crown.
(g) That any information, accountings or documents ordered to be provided under clause (f), and any examination or cross-examination thereon, shall be treated as confidential and shall not form part of the public record of the court.
(h) That the obligation and liability for support continue after the death of the spouse or common-law partner liable to pay and be a debt of his or her estate for such period as is fixed in the order.
(i) That a spouse or common-law partner who has a policy of life insurance as defined in The Insurance Act designate the other spouse or common-law partner or a child as the beneficiary either irrevocably or for such period as is fixed in the order.
(j) That communication and contact between the spouses or common-law partners be prohibited or restricted.
10(2) A respondent may at any time prior to the hearing of the application for support and maintenance serve on the applicant an offer under seal to pay a lump sum or to make periodic payments or both to the applicant in satisfaction of the claim for support and maintenance.
10(3) An applicant may at any time prior to the hearing of the application for support and maintenance serve on the respondent an offer under seal to accept a lump sum or periodic payments or both in satisfaction of the claim for support and maintenance.
Offer not to be communicated to judge
10(4) Where an offer under subsection (2) or (3) is rejected, no communication of that fact shall be made to the judge at the hearing until all questions of liability to pay and the amount of support and maintenance have been decided but the judge shall, in exercising his discretion as to costs, take into account the fact that an offer was made, the amount of the offer and the time when it was made.
10(5) Where under this Part a court makes an order containing a provision under clause (1)(b.2), it may include in the order a provision that such rights as the other spouse or common-law partner may have as owner or lessee to apply for partition and sale or to sell or otherwise dispose of the residence be postponed subject to the right of occupancy contained in the order.
10(6) No right of occupancy of a spouse or common-law partner ordered under clause (1)(b.2) shall continue after the rights of the other spouse or common-law partner as owner or lessee or of both spouses or common-law partners as owners or lessees, as the case may be, are terminated.
S.M. 1988-89, c. 11, s. 8; S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29; S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4; S.M. 2002, c. 48, s. 6.
Transitional re clauses 10(1)(c) and (d) and Division 2 of Part V
10.1(1) Despite the repeal of clauses 10(1)(c) (no entry to spouse's premises) and (d) (non-molestation) and Division 2 (non-molestation order by magistrate) of Part V,
(a) an application for an order under any of those provisions made before this section comes into force may be continued as if those provisions remain in force; and
(b) a provision of an order or interim order made under those provisions continues in force and may be revoked or varied under this Act to delete those provisions, but may not be otherwise varied.
Effect of order under Domestic Violence Act on order made under clause 10(1)(d)
10.1(2) Despite subsection (1), when a protection order or prevention order is made under The Domestic Violence and Stalking Act in respect of persons who are also parties to an order under this Act that includes a provision made under clause 10(1)(d) of this Act,
(a) if the order was made by a designated magistrate pursuant to Division 2 of Part V, the order is revoked; and
(b) if the order was made by a judge of the Provincial Court, that provision of the order is revoked.
Applicant and respondent must be the same persons
10.1(3) For greater certainty, the parties referred to in subsection (2) must be the same applicant and the same respondent in both orders.
S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 2; S.M. 2004, c. 13, s. 16.
Orders under Child Custody Enforcement Act
11 In an application for custody of or access to a child under this or any other Act, a judge may, if he considers it necessary in the circumstances, by order
(a) authorize the applicant or someone on his behalf to locate and apprehend a child and section 9 of The Child Custody Enforcement Act applies with the necessary changes to the order;
(b) direct any person or public body to provide the court with such particulars of the address of the proposed respondent to the application as are contained in the records in the custody of the person or body and section 13 of The Child Custody Enforcement Act applies with the necessary changes to the order.
12(1) A court before proceeding to hear any application brought before it under this Part shall direct such inquiries to the applicant spouse or common-law partner and, where the respondent spouse or common-law partner is present, to that party as it deems necessary in order to ascertain whether a possibility exists of their reconciliation, unless the circumstances of the case are of such a nature that it would clearly not be appropriate to do so, and if at that or any later stage in the proceedings it appears to the court from the nature of the case, the evidence or the attitude of the parties or either of them that there is a possibility of their reconciliation, the court
(a) shall adjourn the proceedings to afford the parties an opportunity of becoming reconciled; and
(b) may direct the parties to consult a person with experience or training in relationship counselling or guidance, or some other suitable person, for assistance with a view to their possible reconciliation.
12(2) Where 30 days have elapsed from the date of any adjournment under subsection (1) and either of the parties applies to the court to have the proceedings resumed, the court shall resume the proceedings.
13 [Repealed]
14(1) [Repealed] S.M. 2002, c. 48, s. 6
Restricting contact between cohabitees
14(2) Where two persons who are not married to each other have cohabited in a conjugal relationship, either person may apply to a court for an order under this Part to include a provision under clause 10(1)(j) and, for the purposes of such an application, this Act applies with such modifications as the circumstances require.
S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29; S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4; S.M. 2002, c. 48, s. 6.
CHILD STATUS
15 In this Part, "director" means the Director of Vital Statistics.
16 For the purpose of section 23,
(a) where a man and woman go through a form of marriage with each other with at least one of them doing so in good faith and they cohabit and the marriage is void, they shall be deemed to be married during the time they cohabit; and
(b) where a voidable marriage is decreed a nullity, the man and woman shall be deemed to be married until the date of the decree of nullity.
17 For all purposes of the law of Manitoba a person is the child of his parents, and his status as their child is independent of whether he is born inside or outside marriage.
18 This Part applies to an enactment made before, on or after October 1, 1983 and to an instrument made on or after October 1, 1983 but it does not affect
(a) an instrument made before October 1, 1983; or
(b) a distribution of property made before October 1, 1983.
19(1) Any person having an interest may apply to the court for a declaratory order that a woman is or is not in law the mother of a child.
19(2) Where the court finds on the balance of probabilities that a woman is or is not the mother of a child, the court may make a declaratory order to that effect.
20(1) Subject to subsection (7), any person having an interest may apply to the court for a declaratory order that a man is or is not in law the father of a child whether born or unborn and notice of the application shall be served forthwith on the Director of Child and Family Services appointed under The Child and Family Services Act.
Director of Child and Family Services may move for hearing
20(2) Where the Director of Child and Family Services certifies to the court that the mother of the child in question in the application has sought the aid of an agency under The Child and Family Services Act or The Adoption Act and is considering adoption for the child, the Director may make the application returnable before a court by serving seven days notice on the applicant and the court shall take all reasonable steps to expedite the hearing of the application.
20(3) Where the court finds on the balance of probabilities that a man is or is not the father of a child, the court may make a declaratory order to that effect.
20(4) Where the court finds that a presumption of paternity under section 23 applies, the court shall make a declaratory order confirming that the paternity is recognized in law unless it is established on the balance of probabilities that the presumed father is not the father of the child.
20(5) Where circumstances exist that give rise under section 23 to conflicting presumptions as to the paternity of a child and the court finds on the balance of probabilities that a person is the father of a child, the court may make a declaratory order to that effect.
Order during lives of parent and child
20(6) Subject to subsection (7), a declaration of parentage under this Part shall not be made unless the person and the child whose relationship is sought to be established are living.
20(7) Where only the father or the child is living, a declaratory order that a man is in law the father of a child may be made under this section if circumstances exist that give rise to a presumption of paternity under section 23.
No declaration where child placed for adoption
20(8) The court shall not hear an application under this section where the Director of Child and Family Services files with the court a certificate that states that the child has been placed for adoption and the Director received the notice of application more than 21 days after a parent of the child who is the subject of the application
(a) gave a consent to the adoption of the child under The Adoption Act; or
(b) signed a voluntary surrender of guardianship of the child under The Child and Family Services Act;
as the case may be.
Blood tests or other genetic tests
21(1) On the application of a party to a proceeding under section 19 or 20 the court may, subject to conditions it considers appropriate, give the party leave to obtain blood tests or other genetic tests of persons named by the court and to submit the results in evidence.
21(2) Where a person named by the court is not capable of consenting to having a blood test taken or another genetic test performed, the consent shall be deemed to be sufficient
(a) where the person is a minor of the age of 16 years or more, if the minor consents;
(b) where the person is a minor under the age of 16 years, if the person having the custody or guardianship of the minor consents; and
(c) where the person is not capable of consenting for any reason other than minority, if the person having his or her charge consents and a medical practitioner certifies that the giving of a blood or tissue sample would not be prejudicial to his or her proper care and treatment.
21(3) Where a person named by the court refuses to submit to a blood test or another genetic test the court may draw any inference it considers appropriate.
22(1) Subject to this section, a declaratory order made under section 19 or 20 shall be recognized for all purposes.
22(2) Where a declaratory order has been made under section 19 or 20 or an application for such an order has been dismissed and evidence that was not available at the previous hearing becomes available the court may, on application, hold a new hearing and discharge the previous order.
22(3) Where an order is discharged under subsection (2),
(a) rights and duties which have been exercised and observed; and
(b) interests in property which have been distributed as a result of the order before its discharge;
are not affected.
23 Unless the contrary is proved on the balance of probabilities, and subject to section 34 a man shall be presumed to be the father of a child in one or more of the following circumstances:
(a) He was married to the mother at the time of the child's birth.
(b) He was married to the mother by a marriage that was terminated by
(i) death or judgment of nullity that occurred within 300 days or such longer period as the court may allow, before the birth of the child; or
(ii) divorce where the decree nisi or divorce judgment was granted within 300 days, or such longer period as the court may allow, before the birth of the child.
(c) He married the mother after the child's birth and acknowledged that he is the father.
(d) He and the mother have acknowledged in writing that he is the father of the child.
(e) He was cohabiting with the mother in a relationship of some permanence at the time of the child's birth or the child was born within 300 days, or such longer period as the court may allow, after the cohabitation ceased.
(f) He has been found or recognized by a court to be the father of the child.
Orders to be filed with director
24(1) The registrar or clerk of every court in Manitoba shall file in the office of the director a statement respecting each order or judgment of the court which makes a finding of parentage of that is based on a recognition of parentage.
Acknowledgements may be filed with director
24(2) A written acknowledgement of paternity referred to in section 23 may be filed in the office of the director.
24(3) On application and on satisfying the director that the information is not to be used for an unlawful or improper purpose, any person may inspect and obtain from the director a certified copy of
(a) a statement or acknowledgement filed under this section;
(b) a statutory declaration filed under subsection 3(7) of The Vital Statistics Act; or
(c) a request filed under subsection 3(9) of The Vital Statistics Act.
24(4) Subject to subsection (5), the director is not required to amend the register of births in relation to a statement or acknowledgement filed under this section.
24(5) Subject to subsection 10(12) of The Vital Statistics Act, on receipt of a statement under subsection (1) or where there is no conflicting presumption on receipt of an acknowledgement under clause 23(d) in relation to a declaratory order made under section 19 or 20, the director shall amend the register of births accordingly.
RECOGNITION OF EXTRA-PROVINCIAL DETERMINATION OF PATERNITY
25 In this Part
"director" means the Director of Vital Statistics under The Vital Statistics Act; (« directeur »)
"extra-provincial declaratory order" means an order in the nature of a declaratory order provided for in Part II but made by a court outside of Manitoba; (« ordonnance déclaratoire extra-provinciale »)
"extra-provincial finding" means a judicial finding of paternity or maternity that is made incidentally in the determination of another issue by a court outside of Manitoba and that is not an extra-provincial declaratory order. (« déclaration extra-provinciale »)
Recognition of orders made elsewhere in Canada
26 An extra-provincial declaratory order that is made in Canada shall be recognized and have the same effect as if made in Manitoba.
Recognition of orders made outside Canada
27 An extra-provincial declaratory order that was made outside Canada shall be recognized and have the same effect as if made in Manitoba, if
(a) at the time the proceeding was commenced or the order was made, either parent was domiciled,
(i) in the territorial jurisdiction of the court making the order, or
(ii) in a territorial jurisdiction in which the order is recognized;
(b) the court that made the order would have had jurisdiction to do so under the rules that are applicable in Manitoba;
(c) the child was habitually resident in the territorial jurisdiction of the court making the order at the time the proceeding was commenced or the order was made; or
(d) the child or either parent had a real and substantial connection with the territorial jurisdiction in which the order was made at the time the proceeding was commenced or the order was made.
28 A court may decline to recognize an extra-provincial declaratory order and may make a declaratory order under this Act where,
(a) new evidence that was not available at the hearing becomes available; or
(b) the court is satisfied that the extra-provincial declaratory order was obtained by fraud or duress.
29(1) A copy of an extra-provincial declaratory order, certified under the seal of the court that made it, may be filed in the office of the director but where the extra-provincial declaratory order is made outside of Canada, the copy shall be accompanied by,
(a) the opinion of a lawyer authorized to practice in the province that the declaratory order is entitled to recognition under the law of Manitoba;
(b) a sworn statement by a lawyer or public official in the extra-provincial territorial jurisdiction as to the effect of the declaratory order; and
(c) such translation, verified by affidavit, as the director requires.
29(2) Upon the filing of an extra-provincial declaratory order under this section the director shall amend the register of births accordingly, but where the extra-provincial declaratory order contradicts paternity or maternity found by an order already filed, the director shall restore the amended record as if unaffected by it or previous orders.
29(3) The director is not liable for any consequences resulting from filing under this section material that is apparently regular on its face.
30 A copy of an extra-provincial declaratory order, certified under the seal of the court that made it, is admissible in evidence without proof of the signature or office of any person executing the certificate.
31 An extra-provincial finding that is made in Canada shall be recognized and have the same effect as if made in Manitoba under the same circumstances.
32 An extra-provincial finding that is made outside Canada by a court that has jurisdiction to determine the matter in which the finding was made as determined by the conflict of laws rules of Manitoba shall be recognized and have the same effect as if made in Manitoba under the same circumstances.
33 A copy of an order or judgment in which an extra-provincial finding is made, certified under the seal of the court that made it, is admissible in evidence without proof of the signature or office of any person executing the certificate.
Presumption where conflicting findings
34 There shall be no presumption of paternity where contradictory findings of paternity exist, whether extra-provincial or otherwise.
35 This Part applies to extra-provincial declaratory orders and extra-provincial findings whether made before or after they come into force.
CHILDREN
35.1 For the purpose of this Part other than section 39, "child" means a child who, at the relevant time
(a) is under the age of 18 years and has not withdrawn from the charge of his or her parents; or
(b) is 18 years of age or over and under their charge but is unable, by reason of illness, disability or other cause, to withdraw from their charge or to obtain the necessaries of life.
OBLIGATION TO SUPPORT CHILDREN
Obligation to support children
36(1) Each parent of a child has the obligation, subject to The Child and Family Services Act, to provide reasonably for the child's support, maintenance and education, whether or not the child is in that parent's custody.
36(2) A spouse has the obligation to provide reasonably for the support, maintenance and education of any child of the other spouse, while the child is in the custody of the spouses, but the obligation is secondary to that of the child's parents under subsection (1) and is an obligation only to the extent that those parents fail to provide reasonably for the child's support, maintenance or education.
36(3) A person who is cohabiting in a conjugal relationship with, but is not married to, another person has the obligation during cohabitation to provide reasonably for the support, maintenance and education of any child of that other person, while the child is in the custody of the persons or either of them, but the obligation is secondary to that of the child's parents under subsection (1) and is an obligation only to the extent that those parents fail to provide reasonably for the child's support, maintenance or education.
Person standing in loco parentis
36(4) A person who stands in loco parentis to a child has the obligation to provide reasonably for the support, maintenance and education of that child, but the obligation is secondary to that of the child's parents under subsection (1) and is an obligation only to the extent that those parents fail to provide reasonably for the child's support, maintenance or education.
36(5) [Repealed] S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 4.
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 4; S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
36.1(1) A parent, or another person found by a court to have an obligation to provide for the support of the child or children, whose income information is necessary to determine an amount of child support shall, upon the request of the other parent, or person, or his or her authorized representative, provide that other parent, person or representative, with financial information in accordance with the child support guidelines.
36.1(2) Where a person fails to comply with subsection (1), a court on application may, in addition to or in substitution for any other penalty to which the non-complying person is liable under this Act or the child support guidelines, order that person to pay to the applicant an amount not exceeding $5000.
CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS
37(1) A court may, on application by a parent, or by any person on behalf of a child or children, make an order requiring a parent, or any other person having an obligation to provide for the support of the child or children under subsection 36(2), (3) or (4), to pay for the support of any and all children of the parent.
Child support guidelines apply
37(2) A court making a child support order shall do so in accordance with the child support guidelines.
37(3) The court may make a child support order, prospectively or retroactively, for a definite or indefinite period or until a specified event occurs, and may impose terms, conditions or restrictions in connection with the child support order as it thinks fit and just.
37(4) The court making a child support order may also order that a party pay costs in such amount as the court may determine.
Obligation continuing after death
37(5) The court making a child support order may also order that the obligation and liability for support, maintenance and education continue after the death of the person charged with the obligation and be a debt of his or her estate for the period fixed in the order.
Agreement etc. taken into account
37(6) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a court may award an amount that is different from the amount that would be determined in accordance with the child support guidelines if the court is satisfied
(a) that special provisions in an order, a judgment or a written agreement respecting the financial obligations of the persons having an obligation under section 36, or the division or transfer of their property, directly or indirectly benefit the child or children, or that special provisions have otherwise been made for the benefit of the child or children; and
(b) that the application of the child support guidelines would result in an amount of child support that is inequitable given those special provisions.
37(7) Where the court awards, pursuant to subsection (6), an amount that is different from the amount that would be determined in accordance with the child support guidelines, the court shall record its reasons for having done so.
37(8) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a court may award an amount that is different from the amount that would be determined in accordance with the child support guidelines on the consent of both parties if it is satisfied that reasonable arrangements have been made for the support of the child or children to whom the order relates.
37(9) For the purposes of subsection (8), in determining whether reasonable arrangements have been made for the support of the child or children, the court shall have regard to the child support guidelines. However, the court shall not consider the arrangements to be unreasonable solely because the amount of support agreed to is not the same as the amount that would otherwise have been determined in accordance with the child support guidelines.
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 6; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 3.
37.1(1) Where a court is considering an application for a child support order and an application for a spousal or common-law partner support order under section 10, the court shall give priority to child support in determining the applications.
37.1(2) Where, as a result of giving priority to child support, the court is unable to make a spousal or common-law partner support order, or makes such an order in an amount that is less than it otherwise would have been, the court shall record its reasons for having done so.
Consequences of reduction or termination of child support order
37.1(3) Where, as a result of giving priority to child support, a spousal or common-law partner support order is not made, or the amount of such an order is less than it otherwise would have been, any subsequent reduction or termination of that child support constitutes a change of circumstances for the purposes of applying for a spousal or common-law partner support order, or a variation order in respect of such an order, as the case may be.
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 6; S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4.
Application to vary, rescind or suspend order
37.2(1) Where a court has made a child support order, that court, on application may make an order varying, rescinding or suspending, prospectively or retroactively, the child support order or any provision of the child support order.
37.2(2) The court may include in a variation order any provision that under this Act could have been included in the order in respect of which the variation order is sought.
Factors for child support order
37.2(3) Before the court makes a variation order in respect of a child support order, the court shall satisfy itself that a change of circumstances as provided for in the child support guidelines has occurred since the making of the child support order or the last variation order made in respect of that order.
Child support guidelines apply
37.2(4) A court making a variation order shall do so in accordance with the child support guidelines.
Subsections 37(6) to (9) and section 37.1 apply
37.2(5) Subsections 37(6) to (9) and section 37.1 apply with necessary modifications when an application is made under subsection (1) to vary, rescind or suspend a child support order.
37.2(6) Where an application is made to vary a child support order, made prior to the coming into force of the child support guidelines, that provides a single amount of money for the combined support of one or more children and a spouse or common-law partner, the court shall rescind the order and treat the application as an application for a child support order and an application for an order of spousal or common-law partner support under section 10.
37.2(7) [Repealed] S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4.
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 6; S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4.
38 [Repealed]
CUSTODY AND ACCESS ORDERS
Joint rights of parents in children
39(1) Subject to subsection (2), rights of parents in the custody and control of their children are joint but where the parents have never cohabited after the birth of the child, the parent with whom the child resides has sole custody and control of the child.
Either parent may apply for custody of child
39(2) Either parent of a child may make an application
(a) for custody of the child; or
(b) for access to the person of the child;
and upon the hearing of the application the court may order that
(c) custody of the child be committed to the applicant or respondent or both;
(d) the non-custodial parent have access, at such times and subject to such conditions as the court deems convenient and just, for the purpose of visiting the child and fostering a healthy relationship between parent and child;
(e) a party pay costs in such amount as the court may determine.
39(2.1) In determining a child's best interests in an application under subsection (2) or section 46, the court shall consider all matters relevant to the best interests of the child including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) the nature, quality and stability of the relationship between
(i) the child and each parent seeking custody or access, and
(ii) the child and other significant individuals in the child's life;
(b) the child's physical, psychological, educational, social, moral and emotional needs, including the need for stability, taking into consideration the child's age and stage of development;
(c) the impact on the child of any domestic violence, including consideration of
(i) the safety of the child and other family and household members who care for the child,
(ii) the child's general well-being,
(iii) whether the parent who perpetrated the domestic violence is able to care for and meet the needs of the child, and
(iv) the appropriateness of making an order that would require the parents to co-operate on issues affecting the child;
(d) the ability and willingness of each parent to communicate and co-operate on issues affecting the child;
(e) the willingness of each parent seeking custody to facilitate the relationship between the child and the other parent;
(f) any special needs of the child, including special needs for care, treatment or education;
(g) the proposed plan of care for the child, including the capacity of the parent seeking custody or access to provide a safe home, adequate food, clothing and medical care for the child;
(h) the history of the care arrangements for the child;
(i) the effect on the child of any disruption of the child's sense of continuity;
(j) the views and preferences of the child, where the court considers it appropriate to ascertain them;
(k) the child's cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual upbringing and heritage.
39(3) Subject to clause (2.1)(c), in considering an application under this section or section 46, a court shall only receive evidence of the conduct of either parent if the court is satisfied that the evidence bears directly on the parent's ability to care properly for the child.
Access of parent to school and medical records
39(4) Unless a court otherwise orders, the non-custodial parent retains the same right as the parent granted custody to receive school, medical, psychological, dental and other reports affecting the child.
39(5) The right of the non-custodial parent to receive the records described in subsection (4) is a right to be provided with information only and is not, unless a court orders otherwise, a right to be consulted about or to participate in the making of decisions by the parent granted custody.
S.M. 1989-90, c. 46, s. 2; S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 8; S.M. 2010, c. 17, s. 7.
CHILD SUPPORT SERVICE
39.1(1) A child support service established by the Minister of Justice may
(a) assist courts in the determination of the amount of child support;
(b) recalculate at regular intervals in accordance with this Act and the child support guidelines, the amount of child support orders on the basis of updated income information; and
(c) perform additional duties and functions as may be required by the minister or by the child support guidelines.
Appointing child support service
39.1(2) A person, or an assignee of a child support order, may appoint the child support service to act on his or her behalf for the purpose of requesting and receiving financial information under this Act or the child support guidelines.
39.1(3) Subject to subsection (6), the amount of a child support order as recalculated pursuant to this section or clause 39.1.1(4)(b) shall for all purposes be deemed to be the amount payable under the child support order as of the day specified in the order recalculating child support made by the child support service. That day may not be earlier than three months after the recalculation commencement date specified by the court in the order requiring the child support service to recalculate the amount of the child support order.
39.1(4) The person against whom a child support order is made becomes liable to pay the recalculated amount as set out in the order made by the child support service, as of the day the amount becomes payable under subsection (3).
39.1(4.1) The operation of subsection (4) is suspended until 31 days after both parties to the child support order have been notified of the recalculation in the manner provided for in the child support guidelines.
39.1(5) Where either or both parties do not agree with the recalculated amount, either party may, within 30 days after both parties are notified of the recalculation in the manner provided for in the child support guidelines, apply to the court that made the order for an order under section 37.2.
If no application to vary made
39.1(5.1) If no application to vary is made under subsection (5), the person against whom the order was made becomes liable to pay the recalculated amount as of the day the amount becomes payable under subsection (3).
39.1(6) Where an application is made under subsection (5), the operation of subsection (4) is further suspended pending the determination of the application, and the child support order continues in effect.
39.1(7) Where an application made under subsection (5) is withdrawn before the determination of the application, the person against whom the order was made becomes liable to pay the recalculated amount as of the day the amount becomes payable under subsection (3).
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 9; S.M. 2007, c. 13, s. 2; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 4.
Child support service may request information
39.1.1(1) The child support service may in writing request any person, including a party, or the government or an agency of the government to provide in writing any information in the possession or control of the person, government or agency about a party to a child support order to be recalculated, respecting
(a) the party's address or whereabouts;
(b) the name and address of the party's employer; and
(c) the financial information required from the party under this Act or the child support guidelines, whether or not an appointment has been made under subsection 39.1(2).
Service of request for information
39.1.1(2) A request for information made by the child support service under subsection (1) may be served
(a) personally;
(b) by sending it by ordinary mail, in which case it is deemed to be served on the fifth day after the day it is mailed; or
(c) by sending it by fax, in which case it is deemed to be served on the day it is sent.
39.1.1(3) Despite any provision in any Act or regulation or any other law, a person, government or agency served with a request from the child support service under subsection (1) shall
(a) comply with the request; and
(b) provide the requested information without fee within 21 days after service of the request.
39.1.1(4) If the child support service does not receive information requested under subsection (1) within 21 days after service of the request, the child support service may take any action it considers advisable, including the following:
(a) applying to a judge or master for an order under subsection (5);
(b) recalculating a child support order on the basis of a party's deemed disclosure of updated income under subsection (5.1), if it is that party that has not provided the requested information.
39.1.1(5) On motion by the child support service, a judge or master may make an order, subject to such terms and conditions as the judge or master considers advisable, compelling a person, the government or an agency of the government to give the requested information to the child support service.
39.1.1(5.1) For the purpose of clause (4)(b), a party that has not provided the requested information is deemed to have disclosed updated income, determined in accordance with the regulations.
39.1.1(6) Her Majesty in right of Manitoba is bound by this section.
S.M. 2007, c. 13, s. 3; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 5.
REGULATIONS
39.2(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations establishing guidelines for the making of orders for child support under this Act, and which may permit Manitoba to be designated under subsection 2(5) of the Divorce Act (Canada).
39.2(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), guidelines may be established under subsection (1)
(a) respecting the way in which the amount of an order for child support is to be determined;
(b) respecting the circumstances in which discretion may be exercised in the making of an order for child support;
(c) authorizing a court to require that the amount payable under an order for child support be paid in periodic payments, in a lump sum, or in a lump sum and periodic payments;
(d) authorizing a court to require that the amount payable under an order for child support be paid or secured, or paid and secured, in the manner specified in the order;
(e) respecting the circumstances that give rise to the making of a variation order in respect of child support;
(f) respecting the determination of income for the purposes of the application of the child support guidelines;
(g) authorizing a court to impute income for the purposes of the application of the child support guidelines;
(h) respecting the production of financial information, deeming income and disclosure of income, if that information is not produced, and providing for sanctions;
(h.1) for the purpose of subsection 39.1.1(5.1), respecting the determination of a party's updated income;
(i) adopting, in whole or in part, and as amended from time to time, any regulation, guideline, rule, or procedure;
(j) respecting any other matters that are necessary or advisable to carry out the purpose of this Part.
39.2(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations respecting the child support service referred to in section 39.1 and governing recalculations by the child support service.
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 9; S.M. 2007, c. 13, s. 4; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 6.
40 [Repealed]
S.M. 1989-90, c. 46, s. 3; S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 10.
PROCEDURE DIVISION 1
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
40.1 This Division applies to an order or an application for an order under this Act.
S.M. 1992, c. 47, s. 2; S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29.
41(1) An application for an order may be made to the Court of Queen's Bench.
Jurisdiction of Provincial Court
41(2) An application for an order other than an order under clause 10(1)(b.2) or subsection 10(5) or (6) may be made to the Provincial Court (Family Division).
S.M. 1992, c. 47, s. 3; S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29; S.M. 2002, c. 48, s. 6.
42 Except as otherwise provided in this Act or the regulations, a proceeding under this Act shall be carried on in accordance with the practice and procedure of the court in which it is taken.
42.1 Renumbered as section 47.1.
43 Where a court before which an application is made is satisfied that the delay necessary to permit compliance with section 12 or any rules of the court, or any other delay that is necessary before an order can be made, may prejudice or work a hardship upon any party to the proceedings or any child of a party to the proceedings, the court may at any time after the application is made, upon the motion of any party and upon notice to all other parties, make such interim order as it deems just.
44 An interim order under section 43 may, upon the motion of any party to the proceedings and if the court is satisfied that it is necessary, be made ex parte.
45 An order may require the parties to return after a specified interval to the court making the order for a review of the provisions thereof, and upon the review the court may vary or discharge the order.
Application to vary or discharge order
46(1) This section applies to an application to the court to vary or discharge
(a) an order made under
(i) this Act, other than a child support order governed by section 37.2, or
(ii) The Wives' and Children's Maintenance Act (now repealed); or
(b) an order made under The Child Welfare Act (now repealed) granting custody of, access to or maintenance for a child.
46(2) The court that made an order referred to in subsection (1) may, on application, vary or discharge that order if the court thinks it is fit and just to do so, having regard to any material change in circumstances that has occurred since the order was made or last varied.
46(3) An order made under subsection (2) is not effective before the filing date of the application to the court to vary or discharge the order.
S.M. 1997, c. 56, s. 11; S.M. 2001, c. 37, s. 4; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 7.
46.0.1 If an application is made under section 37.2 or 46 to vary or discharge an order respecting maintenance, at the request of the person entitled to receive maintenance for himself or herself, or for a child, the court may, if it thinks it fit and just to do so, order that the person required to pay maintenance make a compensatory payment in an amount up to $500 to the person entitled to receive maintenance if
(a) a maintenance payment was paid after the date it was due;
(b) a required maintenance payment was not paid; or
(c) the full amount of a required maintenance payment was not paid.
46.1 to 46.5 [Repealed]
S.M. 1992, c. 47, s. 8; S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29.
DIVISION 3
GENERAL PROVISIONS
47(1) In any proceeding under this Act, spouses are competent and compellable to give evidence against one another.
Counsellor not a compellable witness
47(2) A person counselling or assisting spouses or common-law partners in reconciliation efforts during an adjournment under section 12 is not competent or compellable to give evidence for or against either party in any proceeding under this Act or otherwise, and evidence of any statement, admission or communication made to the person in the course of the reconciliation efforts is not admissible for or against either party in the proceeding.
47.1 In all proceedings under this Act, affidavits, depositions or transcripts of evidence taken in any court may be received in evidence.
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 16, s. 5; S.M. 1992, c. 47, s. 5.
48 A court may, without a hearing, make an order under this Act where the parties consent and have agreed as to the provisions of the order.
49(1) Where, upon application to a judge or master, it appears to the judge or master that,
(a) for the purpose of bringing an application for payment of maintenance or custody; or
(b) for the purpose of enforcing an order for payment of maintenance or an order for custody;
the proposed applicant or person in whose favour the order is made has need to learn or confirm the whereabouts of any person, the judge or master may order any person, the government or any agency of the government to provide the judge or master with such particulars as to the whereabouts of that person as are contained in its records, and the person, government or agency shall comply with the order and the judge or master may then give the particulars to any person the judge or master considers appropriate.
49(1.1) An application under subsection (1) must be served on the person, the government or agency of the government that holds the record sought by the applicant
(a) personally; or
(b) by sending it by regular mail, in which case it is deemed to be served on the fifth day after the day it is mailed.
Assessing risk of domestic violence or stalking
49(1.2) Before giving the particulars of a person's whereabouts to an applicant or other person under subsection (1), the judge or master shall consider whether giving the particulars of a person's whereabouts could expose that person to a risk of domestic violence or stalking.
49(2) The giving of information in accordance with an order under subsection (1) shall be deemed for all purposes not to be a contravention of any Act or regulation or common law rule of confidentiality.
49(3) Her Majesty in right of Manitoba is bound by this section.
S.M. 1996, c. 64, s. 8; S.M. 2010, c. 17, s. 8.
50(1) A person who fails to comply with a provision of this Act or with a provision of an order or interim order made under this Act, other than an order or interim order made under clause 10(1)(c) or (d), is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $500. or to imprisonment for not more than six months or to both.
Penalty re order under clause 10(1)(c) or (d)
50(1.1) Despite the repeal of clauses 10(1)(c) and (d) and Division 2 (non-molestation order by magistrate) of Part V, a person who fails to comply with a provision of an order or interim order made under clause 10(1)(c) or (d) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $1000. or to imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
50(2) Where a person is before a court for any purpose under this Act, other than under subsection (1) or (1.1), the court, if satisfied that the person has failed to comply with a provision of this Act or with a provision of an order or interim order made or enforced under this Act, may there and then by order impose any of the penalties provided in subsection (1) or (1.1).
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 16, s. 5; S.M. 1992, c. 47, s. 9; S.M. 1998, c. 41, s. 29.
51(1) An appeal lies to the Court of Appeal from any order or interim order made under this Act.
51(2) Where an appeal is taken from an order made under this Act, the appeal shall not operate as a stay of proceedings, but the order may be enforced as though no appeal were pending unless the court making the order or the Court of Appeal otherwise orders.
ENFORCEMENT OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS
DEFINITIONS
52 In this Part
"creditor" means a person entitled to receive payments under a maintenance order, and includes
(a) the director to whom an order has been assigned under section 64,
(b) an agency under The Child and Family Services Act that is entitled to receive maintenance for a child as authorized by an order made under that Act,
(c) a government or agency of a government referred to in section 39 of The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act, and
(d) a minister, member or agency referred to in section 20.1 of the Divorce Act (Canada) to whom a support order is assigned under that Act; (« créancier »)
"debtor" means a person required to make payments under a maintenance order; (« débiteur »)
"designated authority" has the same meaning as in The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act; (« autorité désignée »)
"designated officer" means a person employed under The Civil Service Act and designated by the Minister of Justice for the purposes of this Part; (« fonctionnaire désigné »)
"director" means the Director of Assistance designated under The Manitoba Assistance Act, or a person acting under his or her authority; (« directeur »)
"maintenance order" means
(a) an order, interim order, or variation order for payment of maintenance, support or alimony made under
(i) this Act,
(ii) The Child and Family Services Act,
(iii) The Child Welfare Act (now repealed),
(iv) The Wives' and Children's Maintenance Act (now repealed), or
(v) the Divorce Act (Canada),
and includes a compensatory order under section 46.0.1, or
(a.1) a family arbitration award under The Arbitration Act that includes child support, spousal support or common-law partner support,
(b) a maintenance order, provisional maintenance order or interim maintenance order made in a jurisdiction outside Manitoba and registered or confirmed in Manitoba under The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act (now repealed) or The Enforcement of Judgments Conventions Act, or a support order or support variation order made in Manitoba or in a reciprocating jurisdiction outside Manitoba and registered in Manitoba under The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act, or
(b.1) the maintenance or support provisions of a written agreement made in a reciprocating jurisdiction outside Manitoba and registered in Manitoba under The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act (now repealed) or The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act, or
(c) the maintenance provisions of a separation agreement duly filed under subsection 53(3.1); or
(d) a decision of the child support service, or
(e) an agreement under section 53.2; (« ordonnance alimentaire »)
"pension benefit" has the same meaning as in subsection 14(4) of The Garnishment Act; (« prestation de pension »)
"person required to pay" means the person or entity required to pay under a support deduction notice, and includes the government or a government agency; (« personne tenue de faire un paiement »)
"prescribed" means prescribed by the regulations under this Act;
"reciprocating jurisdiction" has the same meaning as in The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act; (« État pratiquant la réciprocité »)
"support deduction notice" means a support deduction notice issued by the designated officer under section 58.1; (« avis de retenue des aliments »)
"suspension order" means an order under section 61.2 that suspends the enforcement of a maintenance order by the designated officer; (« ordonnance de suspension »)
"wages" includes salary, commission and fees, and any other money payable by an employer to an employee in respect of work or services performed in the course of employment but it does not include any deductions made by the employer under any Act of the Legislature of any province or the Parliament of Canada. (« salaire »)
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 16, s. 5; S.M. 1993, c. 48, s. 65; S.M. 2000, c. 13, s. 7; S.M. 2001, c. 33, s. 46; S.M. 2004, c. 14, s. 3; S.M. 2007, c. 13, s. 5; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 10; S.M. 2014, c. 35, s. 23; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. C, s. 20; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 5.
COMMENCING ENFORCEMENT
Automatic application of enforcement provisions
53(1) The provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by the designated officer apply to all maintenance orders made on or after January 1, 1980, unless the creditor signs and files with the designated officer a statement, in a form satisfactory to the designated officer, stating that the enforcement provisions of this Part do not apply to the creditor's maintenance order. On filing the statement, the provisions of this Part cease to apply to that maintenance order.
Non-application to prior maintenance orders
53(2) The provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by the designated officer do not apply to a maintenance order made before January 1, 1980, unless the creditor signs and files with the designated officer a statement, in a form satisfactory to the designated officer, stating that the enforcement provisions of this Part do apply to the creditor's maintenance order. On filing the statement, the provisions of this Part become applicable to that maintenance order.
Subsequent opting into or out of enforcement provisions
53(3) A creditor who signs and files a statement under subsection (1) or (2) in respect of a maintenance order may, at any time, sign and file a further statement in respect of the maintenance order indicating that the provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by a designated officer shall apply or shall not apply to the maintenance order and upon the filing of each further statement those provisions become applicable or cease to apply to the maintenance order, as the statement may indicate. In addition, the designated officer may charge costs to the creditor, determined in accordance with the regulations, relating to filing a statement.
53(3.1) Either party to a separation agreement may file the agreement with the designated officer where
(a) both parties to the agreement have consented to its filing in writing in a form satisfactory to the designated officer; or
(b) the agreement contains a provision permitting it to be filed.
53(3.2) [Repealed] S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 12.
53(3.3) Upon the filing of an agreement under subsection (3.1) the designated officer shall forthwith register it in the court and thereupon
(a) the provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by a designated officer apply to the agreement; and
(b) where the agreement conflicts with the terms of a maintenance order, the maintenance order prevails for the purposes of this Part, except in respect of the enforcement of
(i) a final order under The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act, in which case that Act applies, or
(ii) a support order under The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act, in which case that Act applies.
53(3.4) Upon the filing of an agreement under subsection (3.1), the designated officer shall forthwith notify the party to the agreement that did not file it, that the agreement has been filed and that the enforcement provisions of this Part apply to the agreement.
53(3.5) The creditor under an agreement filed under subsection (3.1) may file with the designated officer a further statement indicating that this Part shall not apply to the agreement. Upon receiving the statement, the designated officer shall immediately notify the debtor under the agreement and the enforcement provisions of this Part no longer apply to the agreement.
53(3.6) After the filing of a statement under subsection (3.5), the creditor under the agreement may, where either of the conditions specified under subsection (3.1) is met, file the agreement with the designated officer and subsections (3.4) and (3.5) apply to the filing under this subsection. In addition, the designated officer may charge costs to the creditor, determined in accordance with the regulations, relating to filing a statement.
53(4) If a person entitled to receive payments under a maintenance order is receiving income assistance or assistance under The Manitoba Assistance Act, the director shall sign and file with the designated officer a statement indicating that the provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by the designated officer apply to the maintenance order. Upon filing the statement, those provisions of this Part
(a) become applicable to the maintenance order; and
(b) despite any other provisions of this Act, remain applicable as long as the person continues to receive income assistance or assistance.
53(5) In addition to the maintenance orders to which this Part applies, the court may make the provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by the designated officer applicable to the payments required for maintenance, support, alimony or alimentary pension under any order of any court.
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 16, s. 5; S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 3; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 5; S.M. 2004, c. 42, s. 29; S.M. 2005, c. 42, s. 12; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 12 and 27; S.M. 2014, c. 35, s. 23.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Requirement for signed court order
53.0.1 The designated officer is not required to take action with respect to an order until he or she receives a copy of the order signed by the court.
Completed registration documents required
53.0.2 Upon the request of the designated officer, a creditor shall provide the designated officer with completed registration documents, in a form approved by the designated officer, within the prescribed time period.
Opting out of enforcement deemed
53.0.3(1) If a creditor does not provide completed registration documents within the prescribed time period, the creditor is deemed to have filed a statement indicating that the enforcement provisions of this Part shall not apply to the maintenance order.
Subsequent opting into enforcement
53.0.3(2) A creditor to whom subsection (1) applies, may file a statement requesting that the provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by the designated officer apply to the order. In addition to filing the statement, the creditor must
(a) file completed registration documents in accordance with section 53.0.2; and
(b) pay any applicable costs, determined in accordance with the regulations, to the designated officer.
53.0.4 Renumbered as section 53.5.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 6.
53.1 Renumbered as section 53.7.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 7.
CHANGING MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS BY AGREEMENT
Agreement to change maintenance obligations
53.2(1) For the purpose of enforcement under this Act, the debtor and the creditor may, by an agreement that complies with this section, change the maintenance obligations under a maintenance order (the "prior maintenance order"), even if the maintenance order was made by a court.
53.2(2) The agreement must be in a form approved by the designated officer and set out the following:
(a) the name of the debtor and creditor;
(b) the prior maintenance order being changed and its date;
(c) the income of the debtor;
(d) the income of the creditor if required by the designated officer;
(e) a description of the changes being made, including the commencement date of the changes, any new maintenance amount, any changed frequency in required payments and other details necessary for enforcement;
(f) a statement that the agreement may be filed with the designated officer for enforcement.
Agreement to be filed with designated officer
53.2(3) Either party to the agreement may file it with the designated officer and, as soon as practicable after it is filed, the designated officer must provide a copy of the agreement to the court and the child support service.
Further changes to maintenance obligations
53.2(4) An agreement filed under subsection (3) may be terminated in writing by any party to the agreement or by a court order. If the agreement is terminated by a party, notice of the termination must be given to the designated officer who may resume enforcement of the prior maintenance order.
Notice to court and the child support service
53.2(5) The designated officer must give notice of a termination under subsection (4) to the court and the child support service.
No agreement if order assigned
53.2(6) An agreement may not be made under this section if the creditor is not entitled to receive payments under the prior maintenance order because of an assignment under section 64 or other applicable law.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 8.
ADJUSTING INSTALMENT PAYMENTS AND OFFSETTING IF TWO DEBTORS
53.3 If the monthly or periodic amount of maintenance specified in a maintenance order is made payable in instalments that, on an annualized basis, do not match the annual equivalent of the monthly or periodic amount, the designated officer may, only for the purpose of enforcing the order,
(a) assume that the specified monthly or periodic amount and the frequency of the instalment payments are correct; and
(b) adjust the instalment payments so that, on an annualized basis, they match the annual equivalent of the specified monthly or periodic amount.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 8.
Offsetting of child support if two debtors
53.4 If two debtors are required to pay child support to each other under a maintenance order, the designated officer may subtract the lower obligation from the higher one and enforce payment of the difference.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 8.
REFUSING OR CEASING ENFORCEMENT
53.5 The designated officer may refuse to enforce a maintenance order where
(a) the provisions respecting maintenance contain errors or are otherwise ambiguous or unsuitable for enforcement;
(b) the amount of maintenance cannot be determined from the face of the maintenance order because the amount is dependent on a variable that does not appear in the order;
(c) the creditor has failed to provide completed registration documents in accordance with section 53.0.2;
(d) the creditor has failed to provide information, or swear a statutory declaration containing the information, as required by subsection 55(2.1); or
(e) the creditor has failed to pay any applicable costs that are payable to the designated officer under this Part.
S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 13; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 6.
Designated officer may interpret orders
53.6 The designated officer may interpret a maintenance order or other order for the purpose of enforcement under this Act.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 9.
Clarification of maintenance order
53.7 Where a party to a maintenance order does not agree with the designated officer's interpretation of the maintenance provisions in the maintenance order, the onus is on the party to apply to the court to have it clarified.
S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 4; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 7.
Creditor to notify designated officer of change in child status
53.8 A creditor who has reason to believe that the designated officer is enforcing a maintenance obligation for an adult child when that obligation is no longer eligible for enforcement must immediately notify the designated officer of that fact.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 10.
Eligibility review re maintenance for adult children
53.9(1) The designated officer may conduct periodic reviews to determine whether an obligation under a maintenance order to pay maintenance for an adult child remains eligible for enforcement.
53.9(2) In making a determination under subsection (1), the designated officer must consider the adult child's particular living situation and circumstances, including whether the child is unable to live independently because of illness, disability or other reason, such as attending secondary or post-secondary studies.
Presumption if child 24 years of age or older
53.9(3) The designated officer must apply a presumption that a maintenance obligation for a child who is 24 years of age or older is not eligible for enforcement unless the maintenance order clearly states that maintenance is to continue to be enforced after the age of 24. For this purpose, a statement in the order to the effect that maintenance is payable until further order of the court is not sufficient to rebut the presumption.
Onus re adult child 24 years and older
53.9(4) The creditor has an onus to prove that a maintenance obligation for a child who is 24 years of age or older remains eligible for enforcement.
When creditor may be asked for information
53.9(5) The designated officer may request the creditor to provide information to the designated officer sufficient to allow the designated officer to determine whether a maintenance obligation for an adult child remains eligible for enforcement. The designated officer may request information from the creditor when requested to do so by the debtor, but the designated officer may refuse if the frequency of requests for information by the debtor is unreasonable.
53.9(6) When the debtor has asked the designated officer to request information from the creditor, the debtor must provide to the designated officer any information, along with supporting documentation, that the debtor has relating to whether the maintenance obligation for the adult child remains eligible for enforcement.
53.9(7) The creditor must provide the information requested by the designated officer under subsection (5), along with any supporting documentation, within the time period required by the designated officer.
Ceasing enforcement if ineligibility
53.9(8) If, based on the creditor's response, the designated officer is not satisfied that the maintenance obligation for the adult child remains eligible for enforcement — or if the creditor fails to respond — the designated officer must cease to enforce the maintenance obligation for that child as of a date determined by the designated officer.
53.9(9) Despite subsection 55(2.2) (confidential information), both the creditor and the debtor are entitled to a copy of any information the other has provided to the designated officer for the purposes of this section, but the designated officer may remove any contact or other identifying information from a copy that is provided.
53.9(10) The designated officer must promptly notify the creditor and the debtor in writing of a decision to continue or cease enforcement and the reason for it.
Designated officer may resume enforcement
53.9(11) If the designated officer has ceased enforcement under this section and the creditor subsequently provides information that satisfies the designated officer that the maintenance obligation for the adult child remains eligible for enforcement, or that it has been reactivated, the designated officer may resume enforcement. But the designated officer must not enforce maintenance payments (other than arrears) due more than 60 days before the date the creditor provided the information.
Creditor or debtor may apply to court
53.9(12) A creditor or debtor who disagrees with a decision of the designated officer under this section may apply to the court for a determination as to whether an adult child is entitled to maintenance.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 10; S.M. 2020, c. 8, s. 2.
Designated officer may enforce reduced maintenance
53.10 If
(a) a maintenance order requires the payment of maintenance for two or more children and the number of children is specified in the order; and
(b) the designated officer is satisfied that
(i) with respect to one or more but not all of the children,
(A) the maintenance obligation has ended because a terminating event or condition clearly specified in the maintenance order has occurred or been satisfied, or
(B) the enforcement of the maintenance obligation may be discontinued under section 53.9, and
(ii) the order is clear as to the amount payable as maintenance for the other child or children;
the designated officer may limit the enforcement to the amount payable under the order as maintenance for the other child or children.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 10.
Reduced maintenance according to table
53.11(1) If
(a) a maintenance order requires the payment of maintenance for two or more children and the number of children is specified in the order; and
(b) the designated officer is satisfied that
(i) the maintenance requirement accords with the applicable table of the child support guidelines that were in effect at the time the order was made, and
(ii) with respect to one or more but not all of the children,
(A) the maintenance obligation has ended because a terminating event or condition clearly specified in the maintenance order has occurred or been satisfied, or
(B) the enforcement of the maintenance obligation may be discontinued under section 53.9;
the designated officer may limit the enforcement to the amount that would have been payable in accordance with the applicable table of the child support guidelines had the number of children at the time the order was made been the number of children in respect of whom the enforcement of the maintenance order is continued.
"Child support guidelines" defined
53.11(2) In this section, "child support guidelines" means
(a) the child support guidelines established by regulation under this Act; or
(b) the Federal Child Support Guidelines under the Divorce Act (Canada);
whichever guidelines apply.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 10.
NOTICE TO DIRECTOR OF ASSISTANCE
Notice to Director of Assistance
53.12 If the maintenance receivable under a maintenance order has been assigned to the Director of Assistance in relation to a person who is receiving assistance benefits, the designated officer must notify the Director of Assistance of the following:
(a) a request for information made to a creditor under subsection 53.9(5);
(b) a decision of the designated officer to cease to enforce the order or reduce the amount of maintenance being enforced under the order.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 10.
MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS TO DESIGNATED OFFICER
Payments remitted to designated officer
54(1) The debtor shall remit to the designated officer the amount of each payment due under a maintenance order in the manner set out in the regulations.
54(1.1) The designated officer shall
(a) record each payment received from a debtor;
(b) deposit the payment into the government's trust account; and
(c) subject to subsection (1.2), issue payment to the creditor.
When payment to creditor not issued
54(1.2) The designated officer is not required to
(a) issue a payment by cheque to a creditor in an amount less than $5; or
(b) pay a creditor
(i) until the creditor provides the designated officer with completed registration documents,
(ii) if no amount of maintenance is currently due and owing to the creditor, or
(iii) until payment from the debtor's financial institution has been confirmed.
54(2) The designated officer shall make and maintain such records of maintenance orders, and of payments received and issued under subsection (1) in respect of those maintenance orders, and such other records as will enable him or her to ascertain with reasonable dispatch the occurrence of any default in payment under the maintenance orders.
Designated officer may specify manner of payment
54(2.1) Notwithstanding subsection (1) and any provision of an order respecting the manner in which a maintenance payment is to be made, the designated officer may refuse a payment made in respect of the order and require it to be made in a manner he or she considers necessary or advisable, which may include cash, certified cheque or money order.
54(2.1.1) No interest is payable on money received by the government for the benefit of a creditor.
Money received for creditor's benefit not attachable
54(2.1.2) Despite any other Act, money received by the government for the benefit of a creditor is not attachable by any other person or entity.
Certificate of designated officer
54(3) In any proceeding a computer print-out
(a) showing, as of the date of the print-out, the state of the account, as between the parties to the proceeding, in respect of the payments required to be made by one party to the other pursuant to a maintenance order; and
(b) certified by the designated officer as being a true copy of the record in respect of the state of that account as of that date;
is admissible in evidence, on behalf of either party, as prima facie proof of the state of the account, without prior notice to the other party of the intention to submit the print-out in evidence and without proof of the signature of the designated officer on the certificate.
S.M. 1992, c. 58, s. 8; S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 5; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 6; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 15 and 27.
ENFORCEMENT BY DESIGNATED OFFICER
Designated officer to take action on default
55(1) Where it appears to a designated officer that a debtor is in default, the officer shall take such action as he or she considers necessary or advisable to determine whether the debtor is in default and the amount of any default, and to enforce the payment of any amount in default.
Designated officer may request information
55(2) The designated officer may in writing request a person, the government or an agency of government to provide in writing any information in the possession or control of the person, government or agency respecting
(a) the whereabouts of a creditor;
(b) a debtor, including
(i) the whereabouts of the debtor,
(ii) the name and address of the debtor's employer,
(iii) the debtor's financial means, including source of income and payroll records,
(iv) the debtor's assets and liabilities, including any asset transferred or gifted to the person requested to provide the information, or to a third party,
(v) the debtor's pension and pension benefit credits, as defined under The Pension Benefits Act,
(v.1) a PRPP account (as defined in The Pooled Registered Pension Plans (Manitoba) Act) of the debtor,
(vi) the debtor's income tax returns and assessment notices,
(vii) the debtor's social insurance number,
(viii) circumstances that affect or could affect the amount of maintenance paid under the maintenance order,
(ix) the extent of the debtor's control or influence over any assets or liabilities of
(A) the person requested to provide the information, or
(B) a third party,
particulars of those assets or liabilities, and the nature of the relationship between the debtor and a person referred to in paragraph (A) or (B), and
(x) any benefits the debtor receives from the assets of the person requested to provide the information or a third party; or
(c) the whereabouts of a person named in a request to locate, as defined in The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act, upon the request of the designated authority.
Access to information or databanks
55(2.0.1) If information described in subsection (2) is included in a database or other collection of information maintained by a department of the government or a government agency, instead of a written request being made under subsection (2), the designated officer and the department of the government or government agency may enter into an arrangement permitting the designated officer to have access to the database or collection to the extent necessary to obtain the information required under subsection (2). The arrangement must include reasonable security arrangements to protect information against such risks as unauthorized access, use, disclosure and destruction.
Parties to provide information
55(2.1) Upon the request of the designated officer, the debtor or the creditor, or both of them, shall
(a) provide in writing to the designated officer all information of which he or she has direct knowledge relating to the financial means, or other circumstances of either or both of them, or of a person for whom support is payable; or
(b) swear a statutory declaration containing this information;
to enable the designated officer to determine
(c) the amount of maintenance payable under the maintenance order; or
(d) the appropriate enforcement methods to be used.
Information that may be disclosed
55(2.2) Information received by the designated officer under this Part is confidential, except that the designated officer may
(a) use it to enforce a maintenance order under this Part;
(a.1) give it to the child support service for the purpose of carrying out its powers and duties;
(b) give it to an appropriate authority in another province, territory or reciprocating jurisdiction, for the purpose of enforcing a maintenance order;
(c) give the information referred to in clauses (2)(a) and (c) and subclauses (2)(b)(i) and (ii) to a designated authority for the purpose of carrying out its powers and duties under The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act;
(d) give the information referred to in clauses (2)(a) and (c) and subclauses (2)(b)(i) and (ii) to the Attorney General for the purpose of performing a function under the Divorce Act (Canada).
55(2.3) Despite any provision in any Act or regulation or any other law, a person, government or agency served with a request under subsection (2) or a person served with a request under subsection (2.1) shall
(a) comply with the request; and
(b) provide the requested information without fee within 21 days after service of the request.
55(2.4) and (2.4.1) [Repealed] S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 11.
Designated officer's options if no compliance
55(2.5) If the designated officer does not receive information requested under subsection (2) or (2.1) or a person fails to report and swear a statutory declaration under subsection (2.1) within 21 days after service of the request, the officer may take such action as he or she considers advisable, including
(a) proceedings to bring a debtor before the designated officer under section 56.2;
(b) proceedings to bring debtor before a judge or master for a hearing under section 57; or
(c) applying to a judge or master for an order under subsection (2.6).
Information or reporting order
55(2.6) On motion by the designated officer, a judge or master may make an order, subject to such terms and conditions as the judge or master considers advisable,
(a) compelling a person, the government or an agency of the government to give the requested information to the designated officer; or
(b) compelling a person to report to the designated officer and swear a statutory declaration with respect to the requested information.
55(3) Her Majesty in right of Manitoba is bound by subsection (2.3).
Offence re statutory declaration
55(3.1) A person who swears a false statutory declaration is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $2,000., or imprisonment for a term of not more than 90 days, or both.
Designated officer may initiate action
55(4) Whether or not any other enforcement proceedings are being taken, the designated officer may take one or more of the following actions in respect of the debtor
(a) Proceedings to obtain a garnishing order under The Garnishment Act.
(b) Registration of the maintenance order in a land titles office under section 59 and proceedings under The Judgments Act in pursuance of the registration.
(c) Proceedings to obtain a writ of execution under The Executions Act.
(d) Proceedings to realize upon any bond or security deposited under subsection 57(4).
(e) Proceedings to obtain the appointment of a receiver under section 60.
(f) Proceedings to bring the debtor in default before the designated officer under section 56.2.
(g) Proceedings to bring the debtor in default before a judge or master for a hearing under section 57.
(h) Proceedings for the imposition of a penalty under section 50.
(i) Providing a personal reporting agency, as defined under The Personal Investigations Act, with information indicating that the debtor is in default under the maintenance order, but the designated officer shall not provide, notwithstanding clause 4(e) of that Act, the address of the creditor.
(j) Giving notice under section 59.1 to the debtor in default of possible action under The Highway Traffic Act;
(k) Proceedings under section 59.3 to obtain an order with respect to assets;
(l) Registration of a financing statement in the Personal Property Registry under section 59.4 in accordance with The Personal Property Security Act.
(m) Issue a support deduction notice under section 58.1.
(n) Proceedings to obtain an order under section 60.1 respecting assets of a corporation or other person.
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 16, s. 5; S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 6; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 7, 8 and 23; S.M. 2005, c. 2, s. 34; S.M. 2005, c. 42, s. 12; S.M. 2007, c. 13, s. 6; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 17 and 27; S.M. 2012, c. 40, s. 21; S.M. 2017, c. 3, s. 20; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 11.
56 [Repealed]
S.M. 1988-89, c. 11, s. 8; S.M. 1989-90, c. 46, s. 4; S.M. 1991-92, c. 29, s. 2; S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 7; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 9; S.M. 2004, c. 14, s. 4; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 12.
EXAMINATION OF DEBTOR BY DESIGNATED OFFICER
Interpretation — debtor in default
56.1 For the purposes of sections 56.2 and 57, a debtor is in default if they
(a) are in arrears under a maintenance order; or
(b) fail to provide information or a statutory declaration as required by subsection 55(2.1) or by an order made under subsection 55(2.6).
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 13.
Examination of debtor by designated officer
56.2(1) The designated officer may issue a notice to appear to a debtor that requires the debtor
(a) to appear before the designated officer in person at the place stated in the notice to appear, or by telephone or other means acceptable to the designated officer, at the time stated in the notice to appear, to be examined in respect of
(i) any default of the debtor, and
(ii) the debtor's employment, income, assets and financial circumstances; and
(b) at or before the examination, to complete and file with the designated officer a financial statement in a form satisfactory to the designated officer, along with any other requested information.
56.2(2) At the conclusion of the examination, the designated officer may do one or more of the following:
(a) refer the matter for enforcement;
(b) summon the debtor to appear for a hearing under section 57;
(c) if the debtor has proposed a payment plan that the designated officer considers reasonable, require the debtor to make payments in accordance with the plan;
(d) adjourn the examination with or without conditions to allow
(i) the debtor to retain counsel,
(ii) the debtor to pay the arrears,
(iii) the debtor to file and serve an application for a variation of the maintenance order and cancellation of the arrears,
(iv) the debtor to reach a settlement with the creditor,
(v) the debtor to provide such further evidence as the designated officer requires, including evidence of employment status,
(vi) the designated officer to recalculate the amount in arrears, if the amount has been brought into question by the debtor, or
(vii) the designated officer to provide the child support service with information to enable it to recalculate child support.
Arrears due if debtor defaults
56.2(3) If the debtor fails to make any payment when it is due under a payment plan made under clause (2)(c), the full amount of the arrears becomes immediately due and payable.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 13.
ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS BEFORE A JUDGE OR MASTER
Enforcement proceedings before judge or master
57(1) Whether or not any other enforcement proceedings have been taken or could be taken, the designated officer may issue a summons, to be served personally or in any other manner a judge or master may direct, requiring a debtor in default to
(a) appear at a hearing before a judge or master at a time and place specified in the summons to show cause why the maintenance order should not be enforced under this section or to be examined in respect of his or her financial means and other circumstances, or both; and
(b) file with the court, either before or at the time of the hearing, a financial statement in a form satisfactory to the judge or master.
57(1.1) [Repealed] S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 15.
57(2) [Repealed] S.M. 1991-92, c. 29, s. 4.
57(3) At a hearing under this section, the judge or master shall consider the evidence adduced and may make one or more of the following orders in respect of the debtor:
(a) if the judge or master finds that the debtor is wilfully in default, fining the debtor not more than $10,000 or imprisoning the debtor for not more than 200 days, or both;
(a.1) determining whether the debtor is in default of a payment, and if so, fix the amount of arrears owing for the purpose of enforcement under this Part;
(b) requiring payment of the arrears in full by a specified date;
(c) requiring periodic payments on the arrears;
(d) adjourning the hearing with or without conditions where the judge or master is satisfied that the debtor
(i) cannot at that time make payments on the arrears, or
(ii) reasonably requires time to obtain counsel, provide additional financial or other information to the court, or make specified payments on the arrears;
(e) requiring the deposit of a specified amount of money in the court or with a person the judge or master considers appropriate, to be held as security and for use in the event of a default in payment under the maintenance order or an increase in the payment under a later maintenance order;
(f) requiring the deposit of security in a form other than money to ensure that payments are made under the maintenance order;
(g) dismissing the proceedings.
Imprisonment served intermittently
57(3.1) Where a judge or master makes an order of imprisonment under clause (3)(a), the imprisonment may be ordered to be served intermittently at such times as are specified in the order.
Burden of proof under clause (3)(a)
57(3.2) For the purpose of clause (3)(a), the burden of proving that the default is not wilful is on the debtor in default.
Arrears due if default in payment plan
57(3.3) Where a judge or master makes an order under clause (3)(c), upon failure to make any payment with respect to arrears by the date specified in the order, the full amount of the arrears specified in the order becomes due and payable.
57(4) Where a judge or master makes an order under clause (3)(b) or (c), the judge or master may at that time make one or more of the following orders:
(a) that upon failure to make any payment by a date specified in the order, the debtor in default be fined in an amount not exceeding $1000. for each default;
(b) [repealed] S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 8;
(c) that the debtor in default enter into a bond in a specified amount, with or without sureties who shall severally justify and be approved by the judge or master, conditioned for the fulfilment of the order; or
(d) [repealed] S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 8.
Continuation of adjourned hearing
57(4.1) A hearing that is adjourned by a judge or master under clause (3)(d) after evidence has been adduced shall be continued before the same judge or master.
57(5) Where a debtor deposits an amount as security under clause (3)(e), any balance remaining undisbursed upon the discharge of the order shall be returned to the debtor together with interest and less such necessary administration costs as the judge or master deems fit.
Imprisonment for default in security
57(6) Where a debtor fails to make a deposit under clause (3)(e) or (f), or to enter into a bond pursuant to an order under subsection (4), the judge or master that made the order may order the debtor to be imprisoned for a period not exceeding 30 days or until the deposit is made or the bond is entered into.
Appeal from master to Q.B. judge
57(7) An order of a master under this section may, within 30 days after it is pronounced or within such further time as a judge may by order allow, be appealed to a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench and the appeal shall be based on the record of the evidence that resulted in the order under appeal.
57(8) Whether or not any other enforcement proceedings have been taken or could be taken, where a debtor has made payments under a maintenance order after the due date thereof, the designated officer may issue a summons for the debtor to appear before a judge or master for a hearing to determine the cause of the late payments and after the hearing the judge or master may make any of the orders under subsection (3) or (4).
R.S.M. 1987 Supp., c. 16, s. 5; S.M. 1989-90, c. 46, s. 5 to 8; S.M. 1991-92, c. 29, s. 3 and 4; S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 8; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 10 and 11; S.M. 2004, c. 14, s. 5; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 19 and 27; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 15.
57.1(1) [Repealed] S.M. 2019, c. 8, ann. E, s. 16.
57.1(2) Where a debtor fails to appear before a judge or master as required by a summons under subsection 57(1) or by an undertaking given or a recognizance entered into under subsection 57.2(3) or (4), a judge or master may
(a) proceed with the hearing in the debtor's absence; or
(b) issue a warrant for the arrest of a debtor for the purpose of ensuring his or her attendance at a hearing under section 57.
S.M. 1991-92, c. 29, s. 5; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 16.
57.2(1) In this section,
"justice" means a judge of the Provincial Court, master, deputy registrar or justice of the peace; (« juge »)
"officer in charge" means the peace officer who is in charge of the lock-up or other place to which a person is taken after his or her arrest; (« responsable »)
"peace officer" means a peace officer as defined in the Criminal Code (Canada). (« agent de la paix »)
Debtor to be brought before justice
57.2(2) Where under a warrant issued under subsection 57.1(2) a peace officer arrests, or an officer in charge has custody of, a debtor in default, the peace officer or officer in charge shall, as soon as practicable but in any event within 24 hours of the arrest, bring the debtor before a justice.
57.2(3) The justice shall order that the debtor be released on giving an undertaking to appear, unless the designated officer shows cause why, for the purpose of ensuring the debtor's appearance at a hearing under section 57, the detention of the debtor or an order under subsection (4) is justified.
57.2(4) Subject to subsection (3), the justice may order the release of the debtor on the debtor's entering into a recognizance to appear at a hearing under section 57 with such conditions and such sureties or deposits of money or valuable security, if any, as are appropriate in the circumstances, will ensure his or her appearance and are specified in the order.
57.2(5) Where the designated officer shows cause why the detention of the debtor is justified to ensure his or her appearance at a hearing under section 57, the justice shall order the debtor to be detained in custody until the completion of the hearing in respect of which the warrant was issued.
S.M. 1991-92, c. 29, s. 5; S.M. 2005, c. 8, s. 14; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 17.
57.3 A debtor or a designated officer may appeal from an order under subsection 57.2(3), (4) or (5) to a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench.
S.M. 1991-92, c. 29, s. 5; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27.
58 Imprisonment does not discharge arrears of maintenance.
SUPPORT DEDUCTION NOTICES
Only designated officer may issue support deduction notice
58.1(1) A support deduction notice may be issued only by the designated officer acting on behalf of a creditor.
Continuing effect of support deduction notice
58.1(2) A support deduction notice that is issued by the designated officer and served on the person required to pay binds, for as long as the support deduction notice remains in force,
(a) in respect of money other than wages,
(i) all money owing or payable to the debtor by the person required to pay at the time of service,
(ii) all money that becomes owing or payable to the debtor by the person required to pay, from time to time after the day of service, and
(iii) all money that is held jointly by the debtor and one or more other persons, in accordance with subsection (3);
(b) wages that are due and payable to the debtor by the person required to pay, on and after the first day, other than a holiday, after the day of service; and
(c) pension benefits, as if the pension benefits were wages and in the same manner as a garnishing order binds pension benefits under section 14 of The Garnishment Act.
All jointly held money bound by support deduction notice
58.1(3) With respect to money that is held jointly by the debtor and one or more other persons
(a) all the money is presumed for the purpose of the support deduction notice to be owned by the debtor; and
(b) the support deduction notice binds
(i) all money owing or payable to the debtor by the person required to pay on the day of service, and
(ii) all money that becomes owing or payable to the debtor by the person required to pay, from time to time after the day of service for as long as the support deduction notice remains in force.
Response by person required to pay
58.1(4) A person required to pay who has been served with a support deduction notice must respond to the support deduction notice, in accordance with the regulations, within seven days after the date it is served.
Copy of support deduction notice given to debtor
58.1(5) A person required to pay must give the debtor a copy of the support deduction notice that the person required to pay received from the designated officer.
Copy of notice given to joint money holders
58.1(6) In the case of a support deduction notice issued against jointly held money referred to in subclause (2)(a)(iii), the person required to pay must also give a copy of the support deduction notice to each person who holds the money jointly with the debtor.
Person required to pay to remit deducted money
58.1(7) A person required to pay who has been served with a support deduction notice shall, for as long as the support deduction notice remains in force, remit any amount payable under it to the designated officer, within seven days
(a) after being served with the support deduction notice; or
(b) after the money becomes payable to the debtor;
whichever is later.
58.1(8) Subject to subsection (9), where wages or pension benefits are attached by a support deduction notice, the exemption allowed to the debtor is $250 or such greater amount as may be specified in the regulations, per month, or pro rata for any part of a month.
Calculation of exemption if wages and pension benefits received
58.1(9) If a debtor receives both wages and pension benefits, whether or not both are payable by the same person required to pay or on the same dates, both shall be included for the purpose of calculating any exemption to which the debtor may be entitled under subsection (8).
Application to Queen's Bench by debtor to vary exemption
58.1(10) The debtor named in a support deduction notice may apply to the registrar of the Court of Queen's Bench, in accordance with the regulations, for an order varying the exemption under subsection (8).
Limitation on variation exemption
58.1(11) No order varying an exemption shall be made under this section that
(a) has the effect of increasing the exemption allowed under subsection (8) to more than 90% of the wages or pension benefits bound under subsection (2); or
(b) reduces the wages or pension benefits of the debtor to an amount less than the exemption to which the debtor is entitled under subsection (8).
58.1(12) The debtor may, not later than 14 days after the order varying the exemption is pronounced, appeal the order to a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench.
58.1(13) The judge hearing the appeal may confirm the registrar's order, or subject to subsection (11), vary it.
Enforcement against person required to pay
58.1(14) If a person required to pay has been served with a support deduction notice and
(a) fails to pay the amount attached by the support deduction notice and does not provide a written response to the designated officer as to the failure to pay; or
(b) pays the amount attached by the support deduction notice to a person other than the designated officer;
the designated officer may apply to the Court of Queen's Bench, with service on the person required to pay, for an order that the person required to pay, pays to the designated officer for the benefit of the creditor, the lesser of
(c) the amount that the court finds is payable to the debtor by the person required to pay; and
(d) the amount set out in the support deduction notice.
Application to Queen's Bench to determine interests
58.1(15) The designated officer, the person required to pay, the debtor or any other interested person, who has been served with a support deduction notice may apply to the Court of Queen's Bench, in accordance with the regulations, to have any issue respecting the support deduction notice determined, including
(a) the interest of the debtor in the attached money when the support deduction notice attaches money held jointly by the debtor and one or more other persons; and
(b) the rights and liabilities of the person required to pay, the debtor and any other interested person.
Time limit for application re jointly held money
58.1(16) An application under clause (15)(a) must be made within 21 days after the support deduction notice is served on the person required to pay.
Notifying designated officer if debtor leaves employment
58.1(17) The person required to pay shall give the designated officer written notice if the debtor ceases to be employed by the person required to pay while the support deduction notice against wages is in force.
Support deduction notice may be adjusted, etc.
58.1(18) The designated officer
(a) may adjust, suspend, reactivate or terminate a support deduction notice in accordance with this Act and the regulations; and
(b) after doing so, must give written notice to the debtor in accordance with the regulations.
Duration of support deduction notice
58.1(19) A support deduction notice remains in force until
(a) the support deduction notice is superseded by another support deduction notice that replaces it;
(b) the support deduction notice is terminated by the designated officer;
(c) the debt for which the support deduction notice is issued is satisfied; or
(d) in the case of a support deduction notice against wages, the debtor ceases to be employed by the person required to pay.
Priority of support deduction notice
58.1(20) A support deduction notice issued under this section
(a) has the same priority as a garnishing order to enforce a maintenance order obtained under section 13.1 of The Garnishment Act; and
(b) has priority over
(i) a garnishing order served on the person required to pay, other than a garnishing order referred to in clause (a), and
(ii) any debt owed by the debtor to the person required to pay.
58.1(21) The provisions in this section and in the regulations respecting support deduction notices are deemed to be provisions under provincial garnishment law for the purposes of the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act (Canada) and the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Act (Canada).
58.1(22) The Crown in right of Manitoba is bound by this section.
ADDITIONAL ACTIONS
Filing order in Land Titles Office
59(1) A maintenance order may be registered in any Land Titles Office in the province and, if so registered, is an order to which sections 9 and 21 of The Judgments Act apply.
59(2) The exemptions provided by The Executions Act and The Judgments Act do not apply with respect to any process issued by a court to enforce a maintenance order.
Application of Garnishment Act
59(3) The Garnishment Act applies with respect to any garnishment issued to enforce an order.
59.1(1) In this section and section 59.2, "registrar" means registrar as defined in The Drivers and Vehicles Act.
Notice of possible action under Highway Traffic Act
59.1(2) Where a debtor defaults in payment, the designated officer may give notice to the debtor that if the debtor does not comply with the requirements of this section action will be taken under section 273.1 of The Highway Traffic Act without further notice to the debtor.
59.1(3) The notice must inform the debtor that action will be taken under The Highway Traffic Act if the debtor does not, within 30 days after the day the notice is served, pay the arrears in full or propose a payment plan that the designated officer considers reasonable.
59.1(4) The notice referred to in subsection (2) shall be served on the debtor
(a) personally; or
(b) by registered or certified mail addressed to the debtor at his or her last known address as shown in the records maintained by the designated officer, and when so mailed there is a rebuttable presumption that the notice was received by the debtor.
59.1(5) [Repealed] S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 18.
Notice to registrar of non-compliance
59.1(6) The designated officer may in accordance with the regulations give notice to the registrar for the purpose of section 273.1 of The Highway Traffic Act that the debtor
(a) did not respond to the notice under subsection (2) within the time referred to in subsection (3);
(b) did not within the time referred to in subsection (3) propose a plan that the officer considers reasonable; or
(c) defaulted in payment under a plan accepted by the officer.
Proposal for payment of arrears
59.1(7) Where, after the designated officer gives notice to the registrar under subsection (6), the debtor proposes a payment plan that the officer considers reasonable, the officer shall take any action that he or she must take to implement the plan.
Notice to registrar of compliance
59.1(8) The designated officer shall give further notice to the registrar in respect of a debtor referred to in a notice under subsection (6) when
(a) the debtor is no longer in default;
(b) the debtor is complying with a proposal accepted by the officer under subsection (7); or
(c) the maintenance order is no longer enforced under this Part by the designated officer.
59.1(9) [Repealed] S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 22.
S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 9; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 12; S.M. 2005, c. 37, Sch. A, s. 153; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 22 and 27; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 18.
59.2 Where the designated officer is unable to effect service of a notice referred to in subsection 59.1(2) on a debtor, the officer may give notice to the registrar for the purpose of section 273.2 of The Highway Traffic Act.
S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 9; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27.
Designated officer may apply for preservation order
59.3(1) If the designated officer believes a debtor is likely to evade, hinder or defeat the enforcement of a maintenance order by wasting, dissipating or disposing of assets that the debtor owns, possesses or controls, the designated officer may apply to the Court of Queen's Bench for an order preserving those assets.
Criteria for preservation orders
59.3(2) Upon an application under subsection (1), a judge or master may make one or more of the orders in subsection (3) if the judge or master finds that the debtor may waste, dissipate or dispose of assets that he or she owns, possesses or controls in such a way as to evade, hinder or defeat the enforcement of a maintenance order.
59.3(3) A judge or master may make the following types of orders:
(a) an order directing the debtor, or any other person, to preserve any assets that the debtor owns, possesses or controls;
(b) an order requiring that the debtor deposit a specified amount of money in the court or with a person the judge or master considers appropriate, to be held as security and for use in the event of a default in payment under the maintenance order;
(c) an order setting aside a non-arm's length transaction between the debtor and another person;
(d) such other order as he or she thinks fit.
59.3(4) An order under this section may be made without notice.
S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 13; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27.
Designated officer may file financing statement
59.4(1) Where a debtor defaults in a maintenance payment, the designated officer may register, in the name of the designated officer on behalf of the creditor, a financing statement in the Personal Property Registry, in the form and manner prescribed under The Personal Property Security Act, claiming an interest in collateral.
59.4(2) The interest of the creditor, or of the designated officer, in respect of a financing statement registered under subsection (1) is a lien and charge on the property and assets of the debtor, for the amount of the arrears of maintenance
(a) at the time of registration; and
(b) which accrue after the financing statement is registered.
Perfection on registration under Personal Property Security Act
59.4(3) Upon registration of a financing statement under subsection (1), the lien and charge arising under subsection (2)
(a) is deemed to be a security interest under The Personal Property Security Act on all personal property of the debtor, including proceeds and after-acquired personal property; and
(b) is deemed to have been perfected on the day
(i) the maintenance was due,
(ii) the enforcement provisions of this Part become applicable to the maintenance order, or
(iii) this section comes into force;
whichever occurs last.
Effect of registration under Personal Property Security Act
59.4(4) Upon registration of a financing statement under subsection (1), the designated officer is deemed to be a secured party under The Personal Property Security Act, and the debtor is deemed to be a debtor under that Act.
59.4(5) Despite any Act other than The Employment Standards Code but subject to subsections (6) and (7), a lien and charge under subsection (2) has priority and is payable in priority over any other claim or right in the property or assets of the debtor that exists after the lien and charge was perfected, including
(a) any claim or right of the Crown in right of Manitoba; and
(b) any lien, charge, encumbrance, assignment, including an assignment of book debts, debenture or other security of whatever kind of any person, and any security interest as defined in The Personal Property Security Act.
Priority of certain prior purchase money security interests
59.4(6) A lien and charge under subsection (2) does not take priority over a purchase money security interest that is perfected
(a) before a financing statement is registered under subsection (1); or
(b) within 15 days after the day the debtor obtains possession of the collateral.
Priority of lien for tax collected and not remitted
59.4(7) A lien and charge under subsection (2) does not take priority over a lien for taxes to which priority is given by subsection 66(3) of The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act.
S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 13; S.M. 2005, c. 40, s. 128; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27.
59.5(1) In this section,
"authorized employee" means a person designated under subsection (2); (« employé autorisé »)
"business day" means a day on which the office of the designated officer is open during its regular hours of business; (« jour ouvrable »)
"claimant" means a person entitled to all or part of a lottery prize who makes a claim in Manitoba or has a Manitoba address; (« demandeur »)
"corporation" means the Western Canada Lottery Corporation and includes a corporation that is a successor to it; (« société »)
"lottery prize" means a prize in a lottery scheme that is a monetary prize of $1,001. or more, or a non-monetary prize having a fair market value of $1001. or more; (« prix de loterie »)
"lottery scheme" means a lottery scheme within the meaning of the Criminal Code (Canada), conducted and managed by the corporation; (« loterie »)
"lottery ticket" means a ticket, certificate, subscription form or other evidence of participation in a lottery scheme. (« billet de loterie »)
59.5(2) The corporation shall designate, in writing, one or more employees or officers of the corporation who are authorized by the corporation to obtain information from the records of the designated officer and carry out the obligations of the corporation under this section.
Authorized employee may search designated officer's records about debtors
59.5(3) The designated officer shall allow an authorized employee to search the names and other identifying information about debtors, as contained in the records of the designated officer, for the purpose of determining if a claimant is one of those debtors.
Corporation obtains name and identifying information about claimant
59.5(4) When a claimant makes a claim for a lottery prize, the corporation shall
(a) obtain the names of all claimants for the lottery prize and any identifying and other information required in the regulations; and
(b) take possession of the lottery ticket.
Corporation searches records about debtors
59.5(5) Using the name and other identifying information about the claimant as authorized in the regulations, an authorized employee, on behalf of the corporation, shall search the records of the designated officer as provided in subsection (3) to determine if that claimant is a debtor.
If claimant listed in records about debtors
59.5(6) If a search of the records of the designated officer under subsection (5) indicates that the claimant is a debtor, the corporation shall
(a) immediately notify the designated officer in writing, in the manner set out in the regulations, of
(i) the name of, and identifying information about, the claimant and any other information required in the regulations, and
(ii) the particulars and value of the lottery prize being claimed by the claimant; and
(b) retain the lottery ticket and withhold payment or delivery of the lottery prize until the close of business at the office of the designated officer on the business day after the business day on which the designated officer receives notice under clause (a), unless the designated officer notifies the corporation in writing, in the manner set out in the regulations, that all or part of the lottery prize can be paid or delivered.
59.5(7) Where the designated officer requests that a monetary prize be substituted for a claimant's non-monetary prize, the corporation shall substitute a monetary prize.
Enforcement proceedings re lottery prize
59.5(8) Whether or not other enforcement proceedings are being taken, the designated officer may take proceedings with respect to the lottery prize
(a) to obtain a garnishing order under section 13.1 of The Garnishment Act;
(b) to obtain a writ of execution under The Executions Act; or
(c) to issue a support deduction notice under section 58.1.
59.5(9) No employee, officer or agent of the corporation shall use or disclose any information provided or obtained from the records of the designated officer except for the purposes of this section.
Immunity for acts in good faith
59.5(10) No action or proceeding may be commenced against the corporation or an authorized employee for any act done in good faith in the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power under this section.
59.5(11) [Repealed] S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 23.
S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 13; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 23 and 27.
60(1) Where there is default in respect of a maintenance order, a judge or master, upon an application made by or on behalf of the creditor, may appoint a receiver, to the extent of any payments due or accruing due under the maintenance order, for any of the following purposes:
(a) to collect any moneys due, owing or payable to, or to become due, owing or payable to, or earned or to be earned by, the debtor;
(b) to take all steps necessary to apply for and receive any benefit, credit, interest or entitlement available to the debtor;
(c) to take all steps necessary to take possession of and realize upon property in which the debtor has an interest or entitlement;
(d) to take all steps necessary to pursue any action that is available to the debtor;
(e) to take any other steps or be given any other authority that the judge or master considers necessary or advisable.
Appointment of receiver without formal application
60(2) Where a debtor is before a judge or master for any purpose under this Act but other than under subsection (1), the judge or master, if satisfied that the debtor is in default in respect of a maintenance order, may there and then appoint a receiver under subsection (1) without prior application.
Exemptions under Garnishment Act
60(3) Where a receiver is appointed under this section, the wages of the debtor against whom the maintenance order was made are exempt to the extent set out in The Garnishment Act, and that Act applies to the order appointing the receiver as though it were a garnishing order.
S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 14; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27.
Assets of a corporation or other person
60.1(1) In this section, a reference to a debtor, or another person on his or her behalf, "exercising authority over a corporation or other person" is a reference to the situation where, with respect to assets that are legally owned or otherwise held by that corporation or other person,
(a) the debtor, or another person on his or her behalf, is using or otherwise dealing with or is in a position to use or otherwise deal with those assets in a manner that is or would be similar to that of a person who legally owns or otherwise holds the assets; or
(b) the debtor, or another person on his or her behalf, is in a position to compel or otherwise influence the corporation or other person
(i) to use or deal with the assets as directed by the debtor or another person on his or her behalf, or
(ii) to permit the debtor, or another person on his or her behalf, to use or otherwise deal with the assets in a manner that would be similar to that of a person who legally owns or otherwise holds the assets.
Application to Court of Queen's Bench
60.1(2) If
(a) the debtor has defaulted with respect to a payment under a maintenance order; and
(b) with respect to assets legally owned or otherwise held by a corporation or other person, the designated officer is of the opinion that the debtor, or another person on his or her behalf, is exercising authority over the corporation or other person;
the designated officer may apply to a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench for an order directing that the assets are subject to garnishment or execution, as the case may be, for the purposes of paying the arrears under the maintenance order.
60.1(3) An application made under subsection (2) may be made without notice.
60.1(4) If on hearing an application the judge finds that
(a) the debtor has defaulted in a payment required under a maintenance order; and
(b) with respect to the assets that are legally owned or otherwise held by a corporation or other person, the debtor, or another person on his or her behalf is exercising or has exercised authority over the corporation or other person as defined in subsection 60.1(1);
the judge may by order do one or more of the following:
(c) declare that the assets legally owned or otherwise held by a corporation or other person are assets of the debtor and direct that the assets or any specific portion of them are subject to garnishment, execution, or to an order of receivership under subsection 60(1), as the case may be, for the purposes of paying the arrears owed under the maintenance order;
(d) give such other direction or make such other order as the judge considers appropriate in the circumstances;
(e) award costs.
S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 15; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27.
RECOVERY AND REMISSION OF ARREARS
No time limitation on enforcement of arrears
61(1) Subject to subsection (4), no time limitation applies in respect of the enforcement and recovery of a lump sum of maintenance or periodic payments of maintenance in default under a maintenance order.
61(2) Where a debtor dies and at the time of death any payments are in default, the amount in default is, subject to subsection (4), a debt of the estate and recoverable by the creditor in the same manner as any other debt recoverable from the estate.
61(3) Where a creditor dies, the personal representative of the deceased may, subject to subsection (4),
(a) recover for the estate of the deceased any payments in default at the time of the death; or
(b) sign and file a statement in a form satisfactory to the designated officer indicating that the provisions of this Part respecting enforcement by a designated officer apply to the maintenance order, with the necessary changes.
61(3.1) If maintenance is payable for a child at the time of the child's death, any amount in default as of the date of death continues to be owing to the creditor. Upon receiving proof of the child's death, the designated officer shall cease enforcing maintenance for that child as of the date of death, or, if maintenance is payable for more than one child, adjust the maintenance payable as of the date of death in accordance with section 53.10 or 53.11, if possible.
Remission of maintenance payments
61(4) Where payments under an order are in default, a judge of the court that made the order may, on application, relieve the debtor or the estate of the debtor of the obligation to pay the whole or part of the amount in default if the judge is satisfied
(a) that having regard to the interests of the debtor or the estate of the debtor it would be grossly unfair and inequitable not to do so; and
(b) that having regard to the interests of the creditor or the estate of the creditor, it is justified.
S.M. 1995, c. 3, s. 10; S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 16; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 19.
IMMUNITY
Immunity for acts or omissions in good faith
61.1 No action or proceeding may be commenced or costs assessed against a designated officer for any act done in good faith in the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power under this Part, or for any neglect or default in the performance of the duty or the exercise of the power in good faith.
SUSPENDING ENFORCEMENT
Administrative suspension by the designated officer
61.1.1(1) At the request of the debtor, the designated officer may administratively suspend, in whole or in part, enforcement of a maintenance order (an "administrative suspension") if the debtor provides information that satisfies the designated officer that the debtor's circumstances warrant the suspension.
61.1.1(2) An administrative suspension may be made for a period of not more than six months and may be made subject to any conditions the designated officer considers appropriate.
61.1.1(3) The designated officer must notify the debtor and the creditor in writing of an administrative suspension and the reasons for it.
Creditor may provide information
61.1.1(4) On receiving notice under subsection (3), the creditor may provide the designated officer with additional information and may request the designated officer to cancel or modify the administrative suspension.
61.1.1(5) The designated officer must review any information the creditor provides and may cancel or modify the administrative suspension, or may confirm it.
61.1.1(6) The designated officer must notify the debtor and the creditor in writing of the decision made after a review and the reasons for it.
61.1.1(7) More than one administrative suspension may be made under this section at the request of the debtor.
61.1.1(8) An administrative suspension ends, and the designated officer may proceed to enforce the maintenance order, immediately after
(a) the last day of the suspension period; or
(b) the debtor fails to comply with a payment or other condition imposed by the suspension;
whichever occurs first.
61.1.1(8.1) Despite subsection 55(2.2) (confidential information), both the creditor and the debtor are entitled to a copy of any information the other has provided to the designated officer for the purpose of this section, but the designated officer may remove any contact, identifying or sensitive information from a copy that is provided.
Obligation to attempt out-of-court resolution
61.1.1(9) A debtor must request an administrative suspension under this section before making a court application for a suspension order under section 61.2.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 20; S.M. 2020, c. 8, s. 3.
61.2(1) In this section, "court" means the Court of Queen's Bench.
Application by debtor to suspend enforcement of maintenance payments
61.2(2) Despite section 38 of The Court of Queen's Bench Act, this section applies if
(a) a maintenance order is being enforced by the designated officer; and
(b) the debtor is seeking an order that suspends the enforcement of the maintenance order by the designated officer.
Serving application for suspension order
61.2(3) The debtor may apply to the court for a suspension order and must serve the application, in accordance with the Queen's Bench Rules,
(a) on the creditor and the director; and
(b) if the creditor resides or is located outside Manitoba, on the designated officer.
Criteria for initial suspension order
61.2(4) The court may make a suspension order only if the debtor establishes
(a) a valid reason for not paying the amounts required under the maintenance order and any arrears; and
(b) that the debtor
(i) has taken all reasonable steps to apply to vary the maintenance order or provides reasons for not doing so, or
(ii) has made reasonable efforts to enter into a payment arrangement with the designated officer and has been unable to do so.
Period and terms of suspension order
61.2(5) A suspension order made under subsection (4)
(a) must be made for a period which must not exceed six months; and
(b) may include any conditions the court considers appropriate.
Further suspension order if variation application
61.2(6) If, within the period referred to in clause (5)(a),
(a) the debtor applies to vary the maintenance order; or
(b) the debtor establishes that he or she has taken all reasonable steps to have a previously made variation application determined;
the debtor may apply to the court, with service on the persons referred to in subsection (3), for a suspension order for a further period which must not exceed six months and may include any conditions the court considers appropriate.
61.2(7) Despite the provisions of any suspension order, a suspension order made under subsection (4) or (6) expires
(a) at the end of six months from the day the suspension order is pronounced, or at the end of any shorter period set out in the suspension order; or
(b) if the debtor fails to comply with any payment or other condition included in the suspension order.
Application for further suspension order
61.2(8) If the court has made an order under subsection (4) as well as an order under subsection (6), the debtor may apply to the court, with service on the persons referred to in subsection (3), for a further suspension order under subsection (9).
Further suspension order if serious harm
61.2(9) On an application that meets the requirements of subsection (8), the court may make a further suspension order if the court is satisfied that
(a) the debtor has taken all reasonable steps to have the maintenance order varied, or to otherwise address any default in payments under the maintenance order; and
(b) serious harm would result to the debtor if enforcement of the maintenance order by the designated officer was not suspended.
Contents of suspension order under subsection (9)
61.2(10) A suspension order made under subsection (9) may include any conditions the court considers appropriate and expires
(a) at the end of any period set out in the suspension order; or
(b) if the debtor fails to comply with any payment or other condition included in the suspension order.
Previous enforcement actions not affected by suspension order
61.2(11) Unless the court orders otherwise, a suspension order made under this section does not affect any of the following enforcement actions if they were commenced by the designated officer before the suspension order was pronounced:
(a) registration of the maintenance order in a land titles office under section 59;
(b) proceedings under The Judgments Act in relation to a maintenance order registered in a land titles office;
(c) proceedings to obtain a preservation order under section 59.3;
(d) registration of a financing statement in the Personal Property Registry under section 59.4;
(e) enforcement action taken in relation to the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act (Canada) and the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Act (Canada), including the issuance of a support deduction notice or proceedings taken to obtain a garnishing order under The Garnishment Act;
(f) provision of information to a personal reporting agency, as defined in The Personal Investigations Act, indicating that the debtor is in default under the maintenance order.
Effect on existing support deduction notice or garnishing order
61.2(12) If the court requires the debtor to make any payments as a condition for granting a suspension order, the designated officer is not required to terminate a support deduction notice or garnishing order that was issued before the suspension order was pronounced but may
(a) adjust any amount attached under the support deduction notice or garnishing order to correspond with the payment condition of the suspension order; or
(b) suspend the support deduction notice or garnishing order.
Actions not affected by suspension order
61.2(13) Unless the court orders otherwise, the suspension order does not affect
(a) payment to the creditor by the designated officer of any money that was attached or seized under this Part before the suspension order was pronounced; or
(b) the designated officer's ability to enforce the payment of costs under section 61.4.
Terminating previous suspension order
61.2(14) If an order suspending the enforcement of a maintenance order by the designated officer
(a) was pronounced before the coming into force of this section; and
(b) contains no termination date with respect to the suspension;
the coming into force of this section is, despite any Act, sufficient grounds for a creditor to apply to the court for an order terminating the suspension of enforcement of the maintenance order.
S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 26; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 22.
PENALTIES AND COSTS
Penalty assessed against debtor
61.3(1) If a debtor
(a) fails to pay maintenance under a maintenance order;
(b) fails to make a payment by the date required by the maintenance order; or
(c) fails to comply with any payment condition included in an order that suspends the enforcement of a maintenance order by the designated officer, whether the order suspending the enforcement was pronounced before or after the coming into force of this section;
the designated officer shall assess a penalty against the debtor, determined in accordance with the regulations.
61.3(2) A penalty assessed under subsection (1) is a debt that the debtor owes to the creditor.
61.3(3) The designated officer may enforce a penalty assessed under subsection (1) in the same manner as a maintenance order, and for that purpose, may take any action under subsection 55(4), except action under clause 55(4)(f), (g), (h) or (j).
61.3(4) and (5) [Repealed] S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 23.
S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 26; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 23.
Creditor may opt out re penalties
61.3.1(1) At the time a maintenance order is registered for enforcement, or at any subsequent time, the creditor may opt out of the assessment of penalties. The creditor may subsequently opt back in by notifying the designated officer in writing.
61.3.1(2) The creditor may waive the right to receive penalties already assessed, in whole or in part, by notifying the designated officer in writing.
Effect of opting out or waiver
61.3.1(3) A creditor who has opted out of the assessment of penalties, or who has waived the right to receive penalties already assessed, loses the right to have the penalties collected for any period during which the opting out or waiver applies.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 24.
Designated officer may cancel penalty
61.3.2(1) The designated officer may cancel a penalty, in whole or in part, in any of the following circumstances:
(a) when the designated officer is satisfied that the penalty cannot be collected;
(b) when the amount of the penalty owing is less than the amount prescribed by regulation and the debtor
(i) is not in default under a maintenance order, and
(ii) is not required to make periodic payments of maintenance that are to be enforced by the designated officer;
(c) when the debtor does not reside in Manitoba and the maintenance order is registered for the purpose of enforcement in another province, territory or reciprocating jurisdiction;
(d) when the creditor does not reside in Manitoba and the maintenance order is registered for the purpose of enforcement in another province, territory or reciprocating jurisdiction that is not able to process receipt of penalties;
(e) when a maintenance order to which the enforcement provisions apply is varied in a reciprocating jurisdiction and the variation order is silent with respect to penalties;
(f) if the creditor has waived receipt of the penalty under subsection 61.3.1(2).
61.3.2(2) On application, a court may cancel the penalty, in whole or in part, if the court is satisfied that
(a) having regard to the interests of the debtor or the debtor's estate, it would be grossly unfair not to do so; and
(b) having regard to the interests of the creditor or the creditor's estate, the cancellation is justified.
S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 24.
Recovery of costs by designated officer
61.4(1) The designated officer may charge costs to the debtor, determined in accordance with the regulations, that relate to the costs of the designated officer
(a) in taking any action referred to in section 55;
(b) in making a licence denial application under the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act (Canada); or
(c) for payments that are dishonoured by the debtor's financial institution.
61.4(2) The designated officer may enforce the payment of costs charged under this section in the same manner as the designated officer may enforce a penalty under section 61.3.
61.4(3) Money received or collected by the designated officer may be applied to outstanding costs charged under subsection (1) only if no amount of maintenance is in default, no penalty under section 61.3 is owing and no compensatory payment under section 46.0.1 is owing.
61.4(4) The designated officer may continue to enforce recovery of an amount owed to him or her as costs even if
(a) the maintenance order is no longer being enforced by the designated officer;
(b) the arrears of maintenance have been paid in full or cancelled; or
(c) there is no further obligation to pay maintenance.
Designated officer may reduce or cancel costs
61.4(5) The designated officer may reduce or cancel costs when
(a) the designated officer is satisfied that the outstanding costs cannot be collected;
(b) the debtor does not reside in Manitoba and the maintenance order is registered for the purpose of enforcement in another province, territory or reciprocating jurisdiction; or
(c) the designated officer is satisfied that the reduction or cancellation is reasonable in the circumstances.
S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 26; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 25.
REGULATIONS
61.5 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations
(a) respecting the costs that the designated officer may charge a creditor who files a statement requesting enforcement of a maintenance order, and providing for circumstances in which costs may be waived in whole or in part;
(b) respecting the manner of remitting payments due under a maintenance order to the designated officer;
(c) respecting support deduction notices, including
(i) the manner of responding to a support deduction notice,
(ii) the information required to be provided by a person required to pay,
(iii) the circumstances in which the designated officer may adjust, suspend, reactivate or terminate a support deduction notice, and the manner of doing so, and
(iv) applications to court to vary exemptions or to determine any issues with respect to support deduction notices;
(d) for the purpose of section 59.1,
(i) respecting the content of a notice under subsection 59.1(2), and
(ii) governing how the designated officer carries out his or her powers and duties under that section;
(e) for the purpose of section 59.5,
(i) respecting information that is required or authorized to be obtained, used or included in a notification under that section, and
(ii) as to the manner in which a notification shall be provided under subsection 59.5(6);
(f) for the purpose of section 61.3,
(i) determining the amount of a penalty, including the maximum amount that may be assessed, or specifying the manner of determining the amount of a penalty,
(ii) specifying the frequency of assessing a penalty, and
(iii) providing for circumstances in which a penalty may be waived in whole or in part;
(g) for the purpose of section 61.4, respecting the costs that the designated officer may charge, and providing for circumstances in which costs may be waived in whole or in part;
(h) respecting the manner of giving or serving any order, support deduction notice or other document under this Part and specifying the time at which it is deemed to have been given or served;
(h.1) respecting the powers and duties of the designated officer generally under this Part;
(i) prescribing any matter required or authorized by this Part to be prescribed;
(j) respecting any transitional matters or difficulties that may be encountered in bringing the provisions of this Part into effect;
(k) respecting any matter the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of this Part.
S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 26; S.M. 2019, c. 8, Sch. E, s. 26.
GENERAL
62 The rights given under this Act are in addition to and not in substitution for any rights given under any other law.
63 No limitation period contained in any statute or law operates to bar or affect the right to take proceedings or to enforce any order made under this Act.
64(1) In this section,
"director" means the Director of Assistance designated under The Manitoba Assistance Act, or a person acting under his or her authority; (« directeur »)
"order" means a maintenance order as defined in Part VI. (« ordonnance »)
64(2) An order or agreement for maintenance or support may be assigned to the director.
64(3) If the director has an address for the person required to make payments under an order that has been assigned under subsection (2), the director shall notify the person of the assignment by regular lettermail at that address.
64(4) The director is entitled to the payments due under the order and has the same right to be notified of and participate in any proceedings under this Act to vary, discharge, suspend or enforce payments, or arrears of payments under the order, as has the person who is entitled to the payments under the order.
S.M. 2001, c. 31, s. 17; S.M. 2004, c. 42, s. 29; S.M. 2010, c. 28, s. 27; S.M. 2014, c. 35, s. 23.