Summary#
Bill 36 would amend New Brunswick’s Motor Vehicle Act. It would automatically authorize certain police and peace officers to act as commissioners for taking affidavits (official written statements sworn to be true) for specific court documents under the Act.
The bill has only been introduced for first reading. The source material does not show that it has become law.
- The change applies to documents connected to two existing sections of the Motor Vehicle Act.
- Peace officers covered by the Police Act would receive this authority because of their jobs.
- Police officers appointed under several Police Act provisions would also receive it.
- Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police would be included.
- The affidavits would be intended for use in the Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick.
What it means for you#
- People involved in motor vehicle cases: If the bill becomes law, certain affidavits may be sworn before an eligible police or peace officer instead of another authorized commissioner.
- Police and peace officers: Officers covered by the bill would automatically have authority to take these affidavits for the specified Motor Vehicle Act sections.
- The courts: The change could make it easier to prepare and submit some motor vehicle-related court documents.
- General public: The bill does not appear to change driver licensing rules, road rules, vehicle registration, insurance requirements, fines, or driving penalties.
- Timing: The bill’s source material shows only first reading on May 5, 2026. It is unclear whether it will pass or when it would start.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
- The bill does not identify government spending, savings, new fees, or fines.
- It could reduce some administrative steps for people or agencies preparing affidavits, but the bill provides no estimate.
- Any effect on court or police workloads is unclear.
Proponents' View#
No public statements from proponents were supplied.
Possible reasons to support the bill, based on its text, include:
- It could make some motor vehicle-related court documents easier to prepare.
- It could reduce the need to find a separate commissioner to witness an affidavit.
- Giving this authority to police and peace officers could make the process more convenient when officers are already involved in a case.
- The bill appears intended to clarify that these officers can officially witness the affidavits for the specified court matters.
Opponents' View#
No public statements from opponents were supplied.
Possible questions or concerns include:
- The bill does not explain how officers would be trained to take affidavits or what procedures they would follow.
- It is unclear whether the change would create extra work for police and peace officers.
- The bill applies only to affidavits connected to two sections of the Motor Vehicle Act. The source material does not explain why the authority is limited to those sections.
- It is unclear whether using police or peace officers for this role could create concerns about independence when they are involved in the underlying matter.
- The bill does not provide evidence about the current problems with the affidavit process or how much the change would improve it.