BILL 31
An Act to Amend the Family Income Security Act
Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, enacts as follows:
1 Section 1 of the Family Income Security Act, chapter 154 of the Revised Statutes, 2011, is amended by adding the following definitions in alphabetical order:
“cohabit” means cohabit as defined in the Family Services Act. (cohabiter)
“common-law partner” means a common-law partner as defined in the Family Services Act. (conjoint de fait)
“dependent” means a person under 19 years of age who resides with an applicant and for whom the applicant has responsibility. (personne à charge)
“spouse” means a person who cohabits and is married to another person by virtue of a legally constituted marriage. (conjoint)
“unit” means an applicant, the applicant’s spouse or common-law partner, if any, and any dependents of the applicant. (unité)
2 The Act is amended by adding after section 1 the following:
Objectives and purposes
1.1 The objectives and purposes of the Act are as follows:
ato promote and provide income security for New Brunswickers;
bto combat poverty in the province;
cto ensure that applicants and recipients are treated with dignity and respect.
3 The Act is amended by adding after section 7 the following:
Appeal of Medical Advisory Board decision
7.1 An applicant or recipient or a person in need may appeal a Medical Advisory Board decision by means of an independent process to the body or bodies established or designated or the person or persons designated under the regulations, on any ground set out in the regulations and otherwise in accordance with the regulations.
4 The Act is amended by adding after subsection 8(2) the following:
8( 3) If the Lieutenant-Governor in Council approves, the Minister, on behalf of the Province, may enter into an agreement with the Minister who is duly authorized by and acting on behalf of the Government of Canada, to provide a basic income guarantee.
5 Subsection 9(2) of the Act is amended in the portion preceding paragraph (a) by striking out “15” and substituting “30”.
6 The Act is amended by adding after section 16 the following:
Annual review
16.1( 1) To determine whether the needs of applicants and recipients are adequately met, the Minister shall review annually
athe established rates of financial assistance, and
bthe exemptions from the calculation of available resources.
16.1( 2) In conducting a review under subsection (1), the Minister shall consider any cost of living increase, with respect to the cost to an applicant or recipient of purchasing the necessities of life, including but not limited to housing, food, clothing, transportation and health care and supplies.
Annual report
16.2 The Minister shall submit annually to the Legislative Assembly a report on the administration of this Act, including the results of the annual review under section 16.1.
7 This Act or any provision of it comes into force on a day or days to be fixed by proclamation.