JUSTICE MINISTER RELEASES DRAFT FEDERAL CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

OTTAWA, June 28, 1996 -- Allan Rock, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today released draft federal child support guidelines, following legislation that was introduced in the House of Commons on May 30, 1996. Bill C-41 creates a framework for the use of child support guidelines and allows the government to establish child support guidelines through the regulatory process.

"I am making this early working draft of the federal child support guidelines available to allow individuals who have expressed an interest in the guidelines to review them and comment on the proposals," said Minister Rock. "The comments and suggestions we receive will be important in refining the guidelines."

As part of the regulatory process, the proposed guidelines, which will reflect comments received by October 15, 1996, will be published in the Canada Gazette. The guidelines will be established through the regulatory process. This process can only begin after legislation authorizing the government to establish child support guidelines is enacted (presently proposed in Bill C-41).

The federal government announced a comprehensive child support strategy in the Budget speech on March 6, 1996, including the introduction of guidelines to establish fair and consistent child support awards in divorce cases. Both the guidelines and the new tax rules for child support are scheduled to come into effect May 1, 1997.

Copies of the draft federal child support guidelines and the child support strategy can be obtained by calling 1-800-343-8282 or 1-800-465-7735 (TDD).

Ref.:  Jennifer Lang        Murielle Brazeau
       Minister's Office    Department of Justice
       (613) 992-4621       (613) 941-2334