Debates of May 15, 2007 (day 7)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Bill 13, Change of Name Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill repeals and replaces the existing Change of Name Act, to provide an efficient scheme for changing the names of individuals, including giving enhanced public notice of name changes through accessible means of publication.

The registrar general of vital statistics will enter a change of name in the change of name register, publish notice of the change of name and provide notice of the change to certain authorities. The Minister may direct that the records of a change of name be sealed if he or she is satisfied that the change is intended to prevent significant harm to a person.

An objection to a change of name may be made to the registrar general, and the registrar general may revoke a change of name in certain circumstances. An appeal may be made to the Supreme Court.

A person may use his or her spouse's surname or, on breakdown or dissolution of the spousal relationship or the death of his or her spouse, resume using a surname that he or she had before the commencement of the spousal relationship without making an application under the act.

The Supreme Court may also change a person's name when it grants a divorce or makes an order annulling a marriage.

This bill makes consequential amendments to the Vital Statistics Act, to provide for making applications for changes of name to the registrar general appointed under the Vital Statistics Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Motion is on the floor. Motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Question.

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried