November 2, 2009 (2009 Hansard page 1666)

Introduction of Bills

Bill 61 - Provincial Offences Procedure Amendment Act, 2009

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Castle Downs.

Mr. Lukaszuk: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to move first reading of the Provincial Offences Procedure Amendment Act, 2009, otherwise known as Bill 61.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is designed to not only simplify and unclog our currently busy court system, but it also aims at making sure that more police officers spend their time actually on the streets, doing the work that they want to do, and not in busy courthouses. Among many other clauses in the bill it will allow for the filing of evidence by police officers by way of affidavit as opposed to having to appear in person. The details of the bill will be unveiled in second reading.

Thank you.

[Motion carried; Bill 61 read a first time]

The Speaker: The hon. Government House Leader.

Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move that Bill 61 be moved onto the Order Paper under Government Bills and Orders.

[Motion carried]