REGINA – Saskatchewan is about to get tougher collecting child and spousal support arrears. On Dec. 1, new laws will be in place giving the maintenance enforcement office (MEO) more tools to collect delinquent payments.
Even though Saskatchewan has one of the highest collection rates in the country, Justice Minister Gordon Wyant says the “enhancements will further ensure the co-operations of those who owe child or spousal support.”
One of the changes will allow the MEO to enforce an order against assets owned by a person living elsewhere who owes money. There will also be updated procedures for seizing bank accounts, property and employment income.
MEO will also be able to obtain information about a person receiving payments, including their address, from family members, employers and the government. Courts will also be allowed to suspend a maintenance order for six months.
The changes are on top of previously announced enforcement measures. Earlier this month, the province announced those in arrears will not be allowed to purchase hunting or fishing licences.
Read more: Saskatchewan getting tougher with illegal hunters
In the 2013-14 fiscal year, more than 91 per cent of payments due totalling $41.1 million were collected.
Comments