Changes to debt collection law proposed by government

The Government of Saskatchewan is moving to enhance the province's debt collection law.  These amendments will strengthen the present system and improve the seizure and sale of assets.

Proclaimed more than two years ago, The Enforcement of Money Judgments Act streamlined the process for a person to collect money from another person, increasing the chances of recovery on a court judgment.  It was the first major update to the legislation in over five decades.

"The implementation of this program is going well, but some changes are needed to address certain issues raised by both the Sheriff's office and the public," Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said.  "These amendments will improve the present system and continue to strengthen the seizure and sale of assets, increasing the chances of recovery of a court judgment."

The proposed changes to The Enforcement of Money Judgments Amendment Act, 2014 include:

Extending the effective period for a notice of seizure of employment income from 12 months to two years;

Giving Sheriffs the authority to immediately ensure that the title to land is clear before the title is transferred to a third party purchaser.  This applies when there is an agreement that payment will be made out of the proceeds of a land sale to address a debt before being sold to another party;

Appointing a Director of Sheriffs; and

Authorizing the Director of Sheriffs to stop pursuing money from debtors if the amount owed is less than the cost to recoup it.