BILL 27 – 2002
EMPLOYMENT AND ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Contents

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

Part 1 -- Introductory Provisions

Interpretation

1 (1) In this Act:

"applicant" means the person in a family unit who applies under this Act for disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement on behalf of the family unit, and includes

(a) the person's spouse, if the spouse is a dependant, and

(b) the person's adult dependants;

"business day" means a day other than Saturday or a holiday;

"child" means an unmarried person under 19 years of age;

"dependant", in relation to another person, means anyone who resides with the other person and who

(a) is the spouse of the other person,

(b) is a dependent child of the other person,

(c) shares with the other person income or assets or any necessities of life obtained with the shared income or assets, or

(d) indicates a parental responsibility for the other person's dependent child;

"dependent child", with respect to a parent, means a child, other than a child who is 18 years of age and is a person with disabilities, who resides in the parent's place of residence for more than 50% of each month and relies on that parent for the necessities of life, and includes a child in circumstances prescribed under subsection (2);

"dependent youth" means a dependent child who has reached 16 years of age;

"disability assistance" means an amount for shelter and support provided under section 5 [disability assistance and supplements];

"employment plan" means a plan required under section 9 [employment plan] and includes an amended employment plan;

"family unit" means an applicant or a recipient and his or her dependants;

"former Act" means

(a) the Disability Benefits Program Act, or

(b) the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act;

"hardship assistance" means an amount for shelter and support provided under section 6 (1) [hardship assistance];

"person with disabilities" means a person designated under section 2 [persons with disabilities];

"recipient" means the person in a family unit to or for whom disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement is provided under this Act for the use or benefit of someone in the family unit, and includes

(a) the person's spouse, if the spouse is a dependant, and

(b) the person's adult dependants;

"spouse", in relation to another person, means anyone who

(a) is married to the other person, or

(b) is living and cohabiting with the other person in a marriage-like relationship, including a marriage-like relationship between persons of the same gender;

"supplement" means any form of assistance specified by regulation, other than disability assistance, hardship assistance or financial assistance provided under section 7 [financial assistance to service or program providers] and, without limitation, includes access to programs established or funded under this Act;

"tribunal" means the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal established under section 19 of the Employment and Assistance Act.

(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may prescribe other circumstances in which a child is a dependent child of a parent for the purposes of this Act.

Persons with disabilities

2 (1) In this section:

"assistive device" means a device designed to enable a person to perform a daily living activity that, because of a severe mental or physical impairment, the person is unable to perform;

"daily living activity" has the prescribed meaning;

"health professional" means a person who is authorized under an enactment to practice the profession of

(a) a medical practitioner,

(b) a registered psychologist,

(c) a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse,

(d) an occupational therapist,

(e) a physical therapist, or

(f) a social worker.

(2) The minister may designate a person who has reached 18 years of age as a person with disabilities for the purposes of this Act if the minister is satisfied that the person has a severe mental or physical impairment that

(a) in the opinion of a medical practitioner is likely to continue for at least 2 years, and

(b) in the opinion of a health professional

(i) directly and significantly restricts the person's ability to perform daily living activities either

(A) continuously, or

(B) periodically for extended periods, and

(ii) as a result of those restrictions, the person requires help to perform those activities.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2),

(a) a person who has a severe mental impairment includes a person with a mental disorder, and

(b) a person requires help in relation to a daily living activity if, in order to perform it, the person requires

(i) an assistive device,

(ii) the significant help or supervision of another person, or

(iii) the services of an assistance animal.

(4) The minister may rescind a designation under subsection (2).

Eligibility of family unit

3 For the purposes of this Act, a family unit is eligible, in relation to disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement, if

(a) each person in the family unit on whose account the disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplement is provided satisfies the initial and continuing conditions of eligibility established under this Act and the regulations, and

(b) the family unit has not been declared ineligible for the disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplement under this Act or the regulations.

Application of Act

4 To be eligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance under this Act, a family unit must include a person with disabilities.

Part 2 -- Assistance

Disability assistance and supplements

5 Subject to the regulations, the minister may provide disability assistance or a supplement to or for a family unit that is eligible for it.

Hardship assistance

6 (1) Subject to the regulations, the minister may provide hardship assistance to or for a family unit that

(a) is eligible for it, and

(b) is not eligible for disability assistance.

(2) If hardship assistance is repayable, before providing it the minister may specify and require a particular type of security for repayment.

Financial assistance to service or program providers

7 The minister may provide financial assistance to a person who, or a group of persons that, undertakes to provide a service or program that, in the minister's opinion, will promote the purposes of this Act.

Employment-related programs and other programs

8 The minister may establish or fund employment-related programs and other programs for applicants, recipients or dependent youths who have difficulty finding or maintaining employment.

Employment plan

9 (1) For a family unit to be eligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance, each applicant or recipient in the family unit, when required to do so by the minister, must

(a) enter into an employment plan, and

(b) comply with the conditions in the employment plan.

(2) A dependent youth, when required to do so by the minister, must

(a) enter into an employment plan, and

(b) comply with the conditions in the employment plan.

(3) The minister may specify the conditions in an employment plan including, without limitation, a condition requiring the applicant, recipient or dependent youth to participate in a specific employment-related program that, in the minister's opinion, will assist the applicant, recipient or dependent youth to

(a) find employment, or

(b) become more employable.

(4) If an employment plan includes a condition requiring an applicant, a recipient or a dependent youth to participate in a specific employment-related program, that condition is not met if the person

(a) fails to demonstrate reasonable efforts to participate in the program, or

(b) ceases, except for medical reasons, to participate in the program.

(5) If a dependent youth fails comply with subsection (2), the minister may reduce the amount of disability assistance or hardship assistance provided to or for the family unit by the prescribed amount for the prescribed period.

(6) The minister may amend, suspend or cancel an employment plan.

(7) A decision under this section

(a) requiring a person to enter into an employment plan,

(b) amending, suspending or cancelling an employment plan, or

(c) specifying the conditions of an employment plan

is final and conclusive and is not open to review by a court on any ground or to appeal under section 16 (3) [reconsideration and appeal rights].

Information and verification

10 (1) For the purposes of

(a) determining whether a person wanting to apply for disability assistance or hardship assistance is eligible to apply for it,

(b) determining or auditing eligibility for disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement,

(c) assessing employability and skills for the purposes of an employment plan, or

(d) assessing compliance with the conditions of an employment plan,

the minister may do one or more of the following:

(e) direct a person referred to in paragraph (a), an applicant or a recipient to supply the minister with information within the time and in the manner specified by the minister;

(f) seek verification of any information supplied to the minister by a person referred to in paragraph (a), an applicant or a recipient;

(g) direct a person referred to in paragraph (a), an applicant or a recipient to supply verification of any information he or she supplied to the minister.

(2) The minister may direct an applicant or a recipient to supply verification of information received by the minister if that information relates to the eligibility of the family unit for disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement.

(3) Subsection (1) (e) to (g) applies with respect to a dependent youth for a purpose referred to in subsection (1) (c) or (d).

(4) If an applicant or a recipient fails to comply with a direction under this section, the minister may declare the family unit ineligible for disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement for the prescribed period.

(5) If a dependent youth fails to comply with a direction under this section, the minister may reduce the amount of disability assistance or hardship assistance provided to or for the family unit by the prescribed amount for the prescribed period.

Reporting obligations

11 (1) For a family unit to be eligible for disability assistance, a recipient, in the manner and within the time specified by regulation, must

(a) submit to the minister a report that

(i) is in the prescribed form, and

(ii) contains the prescribed information, and

(b) notify the minister of any change in circumstances or information that

(i) may affect the eligibility of the family unit, and

(ii) was previously provided to the minister.

(2) A report under subsection (1) (a) is deemed not to have been submitted unless the accuracy of the information provided in it is affirmed by the signature of each recipient.

Consequences of not meeting employment-related obligations

12 (1) Subject to the conditions of an employment plan, the family unit of an applicant or a recipient who does any of the following is subject to the consequence described in subsection (2) for a family unit that matches the person's family unit:

(a) fails to accept suitable employment;

(b) voluntarily leaves employment without just cause;

(c) is dismissed from employment for just cause;

(d) fails to demonstrate reasonable efforts to search for employment.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1),

(a) if a family unit includes dependent children, the disability assistance or hardship assistance provided to or for the family unit must be reduced by the prescribed amount for the prescribed period, and

(b) if a family unit does not include dependent children, the family unit is not eligible for disability assistance for the prescribed period.

(3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may specify by regulation categories of applicants or recipients to whose family units this section does not apply.

Consequences of not accepting or disposing of property

13 (1) The minister may take action under subsection (3) if, within 2 years before the date of application for disability assistance or hardship assistance or at any time while disability assistance or hardship assistance is being provided, an applicant or a recipient has done either of the following:

(a) failed to accept or pursue income, assets or other means of support that would, in the minister's opinion, enable the applicant or recipient to be completely or partly independent of disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplements;

(b) disposed of real or personal property for consideration that, in the minister's opinion, is inadequate.

(2) A family unit is not eligible for disability assistance for the prescribed period if, within 2 years before the date of application for disability assistance or hardship assistance or at any time while disability assistance or hardship assistance is being provided, an applicant or a recipient has disposed of real or personal property to reduce assets.

(3) In circumstances described in subsection (1), the minister may

(a) reduce the amount of disability assistance or hardship assistance provided to or for the family unit by the prescribed amount for the prescribed period, or

(b) declare the family unit of the person ineligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance for the prescribed period.

Consequences for conviction, acknowledgment or judgment in relation to Act

14 (1) A family unit that includes a person who is convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code in relation to obtaining money, under this Act or the Employment and Assistance Act, by fraud or false or misleading representation is subject to the consequence described in subsection (5) for a family unit that matches the person's family unit for the lifetime of the person beginning with the first calendar month following the date of the conviction.

(2) A family unit that includes a person who is convicted of an offence under this Act or the Employment and Assistance Act is subject to the consequence described in subsection (5) for a family unit that matches the person's family unit, beginning with the first calendar month following the date of conviction,

(a) after a first conviction, for a period of 12 consecutive months,

(b) after a second conviction, for a period of 24 consecutive months, and

(c) after a third conviction, for the lifetime of the person.

(3) If

(a) a person acknowledges in writing that he or she obtained disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement under this Act, or income assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement under the Employment and Assistance Act, for which he or she was not eligible, or

(b) a court has given judgment in favour of the government in an action for debt against a person for obtaining disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement under this Act, or income assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement under the Employment and Assistance Act, for which he or she was not eligible,

unless the disability assistance, hardship assistance, income assistance or supplement was provided to or for the person in error, the minister may declare that the person's family unit is subject to the consequence described in subsection (5) for a family unit that matches the person's family unit for the prescribed period, beginning with the first calendar month following the date of the acknowledgment or judgment.

(4) The periods prescribed for the purpose of subsection (3) may vary with the number of applicable acknowledgments or judgments.

(5) If a family unit includes

(a) only persons described in subsection (1) or (2), or subsection (3) if the minister has made a declaration under that subsection, the family unit is not eligible for disability assistance for the applicable period, and

(b) one or more persons described in subsection (1) or (2), or subsection (3) if the minister has made a declaration under that subsection, and at least one other person, the amount of disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement provided to or for the family unit must be reduced by the prescribed amount for the applicable period.

Applying periods of ineligibility and reduction

15 (1) If a family unit is ineligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance for a month for more than one reason or on account of more than one person, the month counts towards the period of ineligibility applicable for each reason and on account of each person.

(2) If a family unit is ineligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance for a period that overlaps with a period when the disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement provided to or for the family unit are subject to a reduction, the period of the reduction is reduced by the period of the overlap.

(3) If the disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement provided to or for the family unit are subject to a reduction for more than one reason or on account of more than one person in the family unit for a month, the disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement provided to or for the family unit for the month must be reduced for each reason and for each person.

Part 3 -- Appeals

Reconsideration and appeal rights

16 (1) Subject to section 17, a person may request the minister to reconsider any of the following decisions made under this Act or the regulations:

(a) a decision that results in a refusal to provide disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement to or for someone in the person's family unit;

(b) a decision that results in a discontinuance of disability assistance or a supplement provided to or for someone in the person's family unit;

(c) a decision that results in a reduction of disability assistance or a supplement provided to or for someone in the person's family unit;

(d) a decision in respect of the amount of a supplement provided to or for someone in the person's family unit if that amount is less than the lesser of

(i) the maximum amount of the supplement under the regulations, and

(ii) the cost of the least expensive and appropriate manner of providing the supplement;

(e) a decision respecting the conditions of an employment plan under section 9 [employment plan].

(2) A request under subsection (1) must be made, and the decision reconsidered, within the time limits and in accordance with any rules specified by regulation.

(3) Subject to a regulation under subsection (5) and to sections 9 (7) [employment plan], 17 and 18 (2) [overpayments], a person who is dissatisfied with the outcome of a request for a reconsideration under subsection (1) (a) to (d) may appeal the decision that is the outcome of the request to the tribunal.

(4) A right of appeal given under subsection (3) is subject to the time limits and other requirements set out in the Employment and Assistance Act and the regulations under that Act.

(5) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may designate by regulation

(a) categories of supplements that are not appealable to the tribunal, and

(b) circumstances in which a decision to refuse to provide disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement is not appealable to the tribunal.

No appeal from decision based on same circumstances

17 If a person reapplies for disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement after

(a) the eligibility of the person's family unit for the disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplement has been determined under this Act,

(b) a right of appeal under section 16 (3) has been exercised in respect of the determination referred to in paragraph (a), and

(c) the decision of the tribunal in respect of the appeal referred to in paragraph (b) has been implemented

no right of reconsideration or appeal exists in respect of the second or a subsequent application unless there has been a change in circumstances relevant to the determination referred to in paragraph (a).

Part 4 -- General Provisions

Overpayments

18 (1) If disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement is provided to or for a family unit that is not eligible for it, recipients who are members of the family unit during the period for which the overpayment is provided are liable to repay to the government the amount or value of the overpayment provided for that period.

(2) The minister's decision about the amount a person is liable to repay under subsection (1) is not appealable under section 16 (3) [reconsideration and appeal rights].

Liability for and recovery of debts under Act

19 (1) An amount that a person is liable to repay under this Act or the regulations is a debt due to the government that may be

(a) recovered in a court that has jurisdiction, or

(b) deducted, in accordance with the regulations from any subsequent disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplement for which the person's family unit is eligible or from an amount payable to the person by the government under a prescribed enactment.

(2) Subject to the regulations, the minister may enter into an agreement, or accept any right assigned, for the repayment of an amount referred to in subsection (1).

(3) An agreement under subsection (2) may be entered into before or after the disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplement to which it relates is provided.

(4) A person is jointly and separately liable for a debt referred to under subsection (1) that accrued in respect of a family unit while the person was a recipient in the family unit.

No garnishment, attachment, execution or seizure

20 (1) Disability assistance, hardship assistance and supplements are exempt from garnishment, attachment, execution or seizure under any Act.

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement being retained by way of a deduction or set off under this Act, the Financial Administration Act or a prescribed enactment.

Agreements

21 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may enter into an agreement with any person or group of persons.

(2) With the prior approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the minister may enter into any of the following:

(a) an agreement with the government of Canada or an agency of that government about financial arrangements or other matters relating to social programs;

(b) a reciprocal agreement with the government of another province of Canada or an agency of that government about disability assistance, hardship assistance, supplements or similar programs;

(c) an information-sharing agreement with

(i) the government of Canada or an agency of that government,

(ii) the government of a province or other jurisdiction in Canada or an agency of that government,

(iii) the government of a state of the United States or an agency of that government,

(iv) a public body as defined in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, or

(v) a legal entity representing an aboriginal community.

(3) An information-sharing agreement may be entered into under subsection (2) only for the purposes of the administration or enforcement of

(a) this Act,

(b) the Income Tax Act or the Income Tax Act (Canada),

(c) the Immigration Act (Canada), or

(d) a social benefit program operated by a government, an agency, a public body or a legal entity referred to in subsection (2) (c).

(4) In this section, "information-sharing agreement" includes a data-matching agreement but does not include an agreement to share

(a) information obtained by the minister for the purposes of another Act administered by the minister, or

(b) information obtained by the minister pursuant to an agreement under this section.

Offence of supplying false or misleading information

22 (1) A person commits an offence who supplies, in an application under this Act or when directed or required under section 10 (1), (2) or (3) [information and verification], section 11 [reporting obligations] or the regulations, information that is false or misleading with respect to a material fact.

(2) A person does not commit an offence under subsection (1) if, at the time the information was supplied, the person did not know that it was false or misleading and, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have known that it was false or misleading.

(3) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than $2 000 or to imprisonment for not more than 6 months or to both.

(4) If a person is convicted of an offence under this section, in addition to a penalty that may be imposed under subsection (3), the court may order the person to repay the government all or part of any amount that person received under this Act as a result of committing the offence.

(5) If the court makes an order under subsection (4) and the amount ordered to be paid is not paid immediately, the government may file the order with a court in British Columbia that has jurisdiction.

(6) An order filed under subsection (5) may be enforced in the same manner, as applicable, as if it were

(a) a judgment of the Supreme Court, or

(b) a payment order of the Provincial Court.

Other provisions relating to offences

23 (1) Section 5 of the Offence Act does not apply to this Act or the regulations.

(2) The time limit for laying an information for an offence under this Act is 12 months after the facts on which the information is based first came to the minister's attention.

(3) A document purporting to have been issued by the minister, certifying the date on which the minister became aware of the facts on which the information is based,

(a) is admissible without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the certificate, and

(b) is proof of the certified facts unless there is evidence to the contrary.

Minister's powers

24 (1) For the purposes of this Act, the minister may acquire and dispose of real or personal property.

(2) The minister may conduct surveys and research activities for the purposes of program evaluation.

(3) The minister may

(a) prescribe forms for use under this Act, and

(b) specify forms for use under this Act.

Delegation of minister's powers and duties

25 (1) Subject to the regulations, the minister may delegate to any person or category of persons any or all of the minister's powers, duties or functions under this Act except

(a) the power to prescribe forms, and

(b) the power to enter into an agreement under section 21 (2) [agreements].

(2) A delegation of the powers, duties or functions of the minister must be in writing and may include any limits or conditions the minister considers advisable.

Power to make regulations

26 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations referred to in section 41 of the Interpretation Act.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations as follows:

(a) specifying forms of assistance for the purpose of the definition of "supplement";

(b) prescribing categories of disability assistance, hardship assistance and supplements which, without limitation, may relate to the purpose, duration or frequency of the disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplement or the category of person who, or family unit that, is eligible for it;

(c) establishing conditions that persons must satisfy to be eligible to apply for disability assistance or hardship assistance and the information, authorizations and verifications that must be provided in order to demonstrate that those conditions are satisfied;

(d) respecting applications for disability assistance, hardship assistance and supplements and the information, authorizations and verifications that must be provided in support of those applications;

(e) defining persons or categories of persons who, or family units or categories of family units that, qualify for categories of disability assistance, hardship assistance and supplements;

(f) governing eligibility for disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement;

(g) prescribing rules for determining the income and assets of a family unit;

(h) prescribing rules for determining the rate or amount of disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement;

(i) regulating the time and manner of providing disability assistance, hardship assistance and supplements;

(j) specifying conditions on which disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement may be provided, including a condition that the disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplement be provided on a repayable basis, and the consequences of failing to comply with those conditions;

(k) respecting the duties of persons who administer disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement received by them for others;

(l) respecting the information, authorizations and verifications that must be provided for the purposes of entering into, amending, suspending, cancelling or auditing compliance with an employment plan;

(m) prescribing the periods for which a family unit may be declared ineligible under section 10 (4) [information and verification], section 13 (3) (b) [consequences of not accepting or disposing of property] or the regulations;

(n) prescribing periods of ineligibility for the purposes of sections 12 (2) (b) [consequences of not meeting employment-related obligations] and 13 (2) [consequences of not accepting or disposing of property];

(o) prescribing the amount of a reduction under section 14 (5) (b) [consequences for conviction, acknowledgment or judgment in relation to Act].

(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations as follows:

(a) specifying the amounts and duration of a reduction under section 9 (5) [employment plan], section 10 (5) [information and verification], section 12 (2) (a) [consequences of not meeting employment-related obligations], section 13 (3) (a) [consequences of not accepting or disposing of property] or the regulations;

(b) prescribing periods for the purpose of section 14 (3) [consequences for conviction, acknowledgment or judgment in relation to Act];

(c) prescribing additional circumstances in which the minister may declare a family unit ineligible for, or may reduce, disability assistance, hardship assistance and supplements;

(d) governing investigations and audits to determine eligibility for disability assistance, hardship assistance and supplements and to ensure compliance with this Act and the regulations;

(e) prescribing, for the purpose of section 19 (2) [liability for and recovery of debts under Act], the circumstances in which repayment agreements may be entered into or assignments accepted, and the terms to be included in those agreements or assignments;

(f) prescribing enactments for the purpose of sections 19 (1) (b) [liability for and recovery of debts under Act] and 20 (2) [no garnishment, attachment, execution or seizure];

(g) specifying time limits and other rules for the purpose of a reconsideration under section 16 [reconsideration and appeal rights],

(h) respecting reinstatement of disability assistance and supplements pending an appeal;

(i) respecting service and delivery of documents or the giving of notice under this Act or the regulations;

(j) respecting terms or conditions that are to be included in information-sharing agreements under section 21 (2) [agreements];

(k) respecting the delegation of the powers, duties and functions of the minister;

(l) prescribing the manner and minimum amount of a deduction under section 19 (1) (b) [liability for and recovery of debts under Act];

(m) respecting any matter that, by this Act, is to be prescribed, determined or regulated by regulation;

(n) defining any word or expression used in this Act or the regulations.

(4) In making regulations under this Act, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may do one or more of the following:

(a) delegate a matter to a person;

(b) confer a discretion on a person;

(c) make different regulations for different groups or categories of persons or family units.

Regulations respecting eligibility and assignment of maintenance rights

27 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations governing the assignment of maintenance rights and the recovery of the amount of disability assistance and hardship assistance provided in place of maintenance, including the following regulations:

(a) prescribing categories of persons whose family units are not eligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance unless they and their dependants assign to the minister any maintenance rights that

(i) they have respecting maintenance for themselves or a dependent child, and

(ii) are specified under paragraph (b);

(b) specifying maintenance rights that are to be assigned to the minister, including, but not limited to, any of the following rights:

(i) to make an application under an enactment of British Columbia for a maintenance order;

(ii) to enter into a maintenance agreement;

(iii) to make or defend an application for variation of a maintenance order or maintenance agreement;

(iv) to receive payment under

(A) a maintenance order made under the Divorce Act (Canada) or otherwise, or

(B) a maintenance agreement;

(v) to enforce a maintenance order or maintenance agreement;

(vi) to file a maintenance order or maintenance agreement under the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act;

(c) governing how and to whom notice of an assignment of maintenance rights must be given;

(d) governing how long an assignment of maintenance rights remains in effect for different categories of maintenance rights;

(e) prescribing terms that are to be included in an assignment of maintenance rights and the consequences of failure to comply with those terms;

(f) determining the amounts that may

(i) be deducted from maintenance payments received under an assignment of maintenance rights, and

(ii) be retained by the government

to recover the amount of disability assistance or hardship assistance provided in place of maintenance while the assignment is in effect;

(g) respecting the method of accounting to a recipient for payments received under an assignment of maintenance rights and for deductions made from those payments.

(2) A regulation under subsection (1) (b) (iv) may specify that the minister be assigned the right to receive arrears of maintenance that are paid while the assignment is in effect, even though the arrears accrued before

(a) the regulation came into force, or

(b) disability assistance or hardship assistance was provided to or for the family unit that becomes eligible as a result of the assignment.

(3) A regulation under subsection (1) (d) may provide that an assignment of maintenance rights remains in effect for a specified period after the family unit became eligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance as a result of the assignment ceases to receive either disability assistance or hardship assistance.

(4) While an assignment of maintenance rights is in effect, the minister

(a) may make an application or bring a proceeding relating to the assigned rights in the name of the government or in the name of the person who made the assignment, and

(b) has the same right to be notified and to participate in any proceedings relating to the assigned rights that, but for that assignment, the person who made the assignment would have had.

(5) While an assignment of maintenance rights is in effect, the person who made the assignment is not entitled to exercise any of the assigned rights

(a) except to the extent authorized in writing by the minister, and

(b) subject to any terms or conditions specified in the authorization.

Regulations prescribing ineligibility in relation to former or other Act

28 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing consequences for a family unit, including periods of ineligibility for disability assistance or hardship assistance under this Act, for any of the following:

(a) a conviction of a person in the family unit under the Criminal Code in relation to obtaining money by fraud or false or misleading representation under a former Act or the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act;

(b) a conviction of a person in the family unit for an offence under a former Act or the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act;

(c) a written acknowledgment by a person in the family unit of receiving a disability allowance, income assistance, hardship assistance or a benefit under a former Act, or a youth allowance or benefit under the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act, to which the person was not eligible and that was not paid or provided in error;

(d) a judgment obtained by the government in an action for debt against a person in the family unit for obtaining a disability allowance, income assistance, hardship assistance or a benefit under a former Act, or a youth allowance or benefit under the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act, to which the person was not eligible and that was not paid or provided in error.

Part 5 -- Transitional and Consequential Provisions

Application of sections 35 and 36 of the Interpretation Act

29 Subject to sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 and to regulations made under section 30 of this Act [transitional regulations], sections 35 and 36 (1) of the Interpretation Act apply to all matters affected by the repeal of a former Act and its replacement by this Act.

Transitional regulations

30 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations considered necessary or advisable to more effectively bring this Act into operation and to facilitate the transition from the operation of any of the following Acts to the operation of this Act:

(a) BC Benefits (Appeals) Act;

(b) BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act;

(c) BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act;

(d) Disability Benefits Program Act.

Recipients under former Act deemed recipients under this Act

31 (1) On the date this section comes into force, a person with disabilities who is receiving income assistance, a disability allowance or a benefit under a former Act

(a) is deemed to have applied for and be in receipt of disability assistance or supplements under this Act, and

(b) in order to continue receiving disability assistance or the supplement, must satisfy the initial and continuing conditions of eligibility established under this Act that apply in respect of the disability assistance or supplement.

(2) On the date this section comes into force, a person with disabilities who is receiving hardship assistance under the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act

(a) is deemed to have applied for and received hardship assistance under this Act, and

(b) in order to receive further hardship assistance, must satisfy the conditions of eligibility established under this Act for hardship assistance.

(3) Despite a final decision of a tribunal, or the BC Benefits Appeal Board, under the BC Benefits (Appeals) Act, the minister may

(a) adjust an amount of disability allowance, income assistance, hardship assistance or a benefit,

(b) alter a category of disability allowance, income assistance, hardship assistance or a benefit provided to or for a recipient referred to in subsections (1) and (2) and his or her dependants, and

(c) alter the category of person of the recipient or his or her dependants

to equal the amounts or categories of disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplements the recipient and his or her dependants are eligible for under this Act.

(4) An adjustment or alteration referred to in subsection (3) (a) or (b) may be, as applicable,

(a) an increase, a decrease or a discontinuance of an amount, or

(b) a change in, or a discontinuance or an addition of, a category of disability assistance, hardship assistance or supplements.

Transition of persons with disabilities under former Acts

32 (1) Subject to section 31 (1) (b) [recipients under former Act deemed recipients under this Act], on the day this section comes into force, a person with disabilities who is receiving

(a) a disability allowance or a benefit under the Disability Benefits Program Act, or

(b) income assistance, hardship assistance or a benefit under the BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act

is deemed to have been designated as a person with disabilities under this Act.

(2) Section 2 (4) [persons with disabilities] applies to a designation under subsection (1).

Indebtedness under former Act

33 On the date this section comes into force, a person

(a) whose family unit includes a person with disabilities, and

(b) who is indebted to the government under a former Act, the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act or the Guaranteed Available Income for Need Act, R.S.B.C. 1979, c. 158,

continues to be liable on the same terms to the government for the amount of indebtedness outstanding on that date and the debt is deemed to have been incurred and to be owing under this Act.

Assignment of maintenance rights deemed made under this Act

34 An assignment of maintenance rights that

(a) was made or continued under the regulations to a former Act, and

(b) is in effect on the date this section comes into force,

for a person to whom this Act applies, is deemed to have been made, and continues in force, under and subject to the regulations to this Act.

Transitional -- disqualification under former Act

35 The family unit of a person who, on the date this Act comes into force, is not eligible for a disability allowance, income assistance or hardship assistance under a former Act or a youth allowance under the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act because of a period of disqualification imposed under the former Act or the BC Benefits (Youth Works) Act is not eligible for disability assistance or hardship assistance under this Act, as applicable, until the imposed period of disqualification expires, and that period is deemed to have been imposed under this Act.

Transitional -- appeals

36 (1) If, on the date this section comes into force, a person has requested a reconsideration of a decision under a former Act,

(a) the reconsideration must be conducted in accordance with the procedures under this Act and this Act applies to the decision being reconsidered,

(b) if the decision that is reconsidered is a decision that is appealable under this Act, an appeal to the tribunal under the Employment and Assistance Act may be commenced in accordance with Part 3 [appeals] of that Act and this Act applies to the decision being appealed, and

(c) if the decision that is reconsidered is a decision that is not appealable under this Act, the decision of the minister on the reconsideration is final and conclusive and is not open to review in a court on any ground or to appeal to any tribunal.

(2) If, on the date this section comes into force, an appeal to a tribunal has been commenced under the BC Benefits (Appeals) Act,

(a) if a tribunal has been appointed under that Act

(i) the appeal must be to that tribunal and this Act applies to the decision being appealed,

(ii) for the purpose of the appeal, that tribunal has the same jurisdiction as, and is deemed to be a panel of, the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal, and

(iii) the decision of that tribunal is final and conclusive and is not open to review in a court except on a question of law or excess of jurisdiction or to appeal to any body, and

(b) if a tribunal has not been appointed under the BC Benefits (Appeals) Act,

(i) the appeal must be to the tribunal under, and conducted in accordance with, Part 3 of the Employment and Assistance Act, and

(ii) this Act applies to the decision being appealed.

(3) If, on the date this section comes into force, an appeal to the BC Benefits Appeal Board has been commenced under the BC Benefits (Appeals) Act by a person with disabilities, or a dependant of such a person, despite the repeal of that Act,

(a) subject to section 46 [transitional appeal board] of the Employment and Assistance Act, the appeal must be conducted in accordance with the procedures under the BC Benefits (Appeals) Act,

(b) this Act applies to the decision being appealed, and

(c) the decision of the appeal board is final and conclusive and is not open to review in a court except on a question of law or excess of jurisdiction.

Consequential Amendments and Repeal

BC Benefits Statutes Amendment Act, 1997

37 The BC Benefits Statutes Amendment Act, 1997, S.B.C. 1997, c. 15, is amended by striking out "or the Disability Benefits Program Act" and substituting "or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act" in each of the following sections:

(a) section 10 (a), as it amends section 10 (1) (a) of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act;

(b) section 10 (b), as it amends section 10 (1) (b) of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act;

(c) section 11 (b), as it amends section 18 (6.1) (c) of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act;

(d) section 12, as it amends section 21 (10) (e) of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act;

(e) section 14, as it amends section 32 (1) (e) of the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act.

  
Community Care Facility Act

38 The Community Care Facility Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 60, is amended

(a) in paragraph (b) (ii) of the definition of "community care facility" in section 1 by striking out "or a disability allowance is provided under the Disability Benefits Program Act," and substituting "or disability assistance is provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,", and

(b) in section 20 (2) (g) (i) by striking out "or a disability allowance is provided under the Disability Benefits Program Act," and substituting "or disability assistance is provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,".

 
Criminal Injury Compensation Act

39 Section 15 (3) of the Criminal Injury Compensation Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 85, is amended by striking out "or a disability allowance under the Disability Benefits Program Act," and substituting "or disability assistance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,".

 
Debtor Assistance Act

40 Section 2 (2) (c) of the Debtor Assistance Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 93, is amended by striking out "or a disability allowance is provided under the Disability Benefits Program Act." and substituting "or disability assistance is provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act."

 
Disability Benefits Program Act

41 The Disability Benefits Program Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 97, is repealed.

 
Evidence Act

42 Section 61 (1) (g) of the Evidence Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 124, is repealed and the following substituted:

(g) for the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, each person to whom the minister has delegated powers or duties under that Act.

 
Family Maintenance Enforcement Act

43 The Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 127, is amended

(a) in paragraph (a) of the definition of "creditor" in section 1 (1) by striking out "or the Disability Benefits Program Act:" and substituting "or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act:",

(b) in sections 1 (1.1) and 5 (2) by striking out "or the Disability Benefits Program Act" and substituting "or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act",

(c) in section 6 (5) by striking out "or the Disability Benefits Program Act" and substituting "or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act",

(d) in section 14.4 (4) (b) by striking out "or a disability allowance under the Disability Benefits Program Act" and substituting "or disability assistance under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act", and

(e) in section 43 (1) (c) (i) by striking out "or the Disability Benefits Program Act," and substituting "or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,".

 
Family Relations Act

44 Section 91 (5) of the Family Relations Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 128, is amended by striking out "or section 13.1 of the Disability Benefits Program Act," and substituting "or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,".

 
Home Owner Grant Act

45 The Home Owner Grant Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 194, is amended

(a) by repealing sections 2 (2) (c), 3 (3) (c), 4 (3) (c) and 5 (3) (c) and substituting the following in each case:

(c) is designated as a person with disabilities, and receiving disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement, under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, or , and

(b) by adding the following section:

Transition from Disability Benefits Program Act

19 Despite the amendments to this Act by section 45 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act and the repeal of the Disability Benefits Program Act, a person who received a disability allowance or a benefit under the Disability Benefits Program Act in respect of any period in the 2002 tax year is eligible for a grant under section 2 (2) (c), 3 (3) (c), 4 (3) (c) or 5 (3) (c) of this Act, as applicable, for the 2002 tax year.

 
Hospital Act

46 Section 56 (3) (b) (i) of the Hospital Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 200, is amended by striking out "or a disability allowance is provided under the Disability Benefits Program Act," and substituting "or disability assistance is provided under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act,".

 
Land Tax Deferment Act

47 The Land Tax Deferment Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 249, is amended

(a) by repealing section 5 (1) (d) (iii) and substituting the following:

(iii) for any taxation year after the 2002 taxation year, a person with disabilities as defined in the regulations. , and

(b) by adding the following section:

Transition from Disability Benefits Program Act

19 Despite the amendments to this Act by section 47 of the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act and the repeal of the Disability Benefits Program Act, a person who met the definition of a person with disabilities under the Disability Benefits Program Act for any period in the 2002 taxation year is eligible to enter into an agreement under section 2 of this Act for that taxation year.

 
Motor Fuel Tax Act

48 Paragraph (c) of the definition of "person with disabilities" in section 1 of the Motor Fuel Tax Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 317, is repealed and the following substituted:

(c) receives, or would receive but for having reached 65 years of age, disability assistance or a supplement under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, .

Commencement

49 This Act comes into force by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.