Newfoundland and Labrador a Leader in Collecting Court-Ordered Child and Spousal Support

  • Justice and Public Safety

January 7, 2020

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

Statistics Canada reports that of the eight jurisdictions in Canada that regularly report information, Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of payment collection of Maintenance Enforcement Programs across the country. A recent report showed this province has a 94 per cent collection rate, surpassing the national average by 15 per cent.

The Support Enforcement Division, based in Corner Brook, enforces child and spousal support orders in the province. Collection actions could include wage and bank account garnishments, the seizure of assets, or the suspension of licenses, permits and even Canadian passports. Support orders can also attach funds that are payable to debtors from federal sources such as income tax refunds, GST/HST rebates, Canada Pension Plan Training Allowances and Employment Insurance.

The Support Orders Enforcement Act, 2006, was designed to ensure children and spouses receive the financial benefits ordered to them by the courts.

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“The end of a marriage or a relationship should not be the start of financial hardship for children and families. I want to thank the Support Enforcement Division for their excellent public service to this important social program which undoubtedly improves the lives of many. I appreciate your efforts and acknowledge some of the difficulties that come with the job. Thank you for all your hard work.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
LesleyClarke@gov.nl.ca

2020 01 07 1:30 pm