Source: https://www.leg.bc.ca/content/legacy/web/38th3rd/1st_read/gov06-1.htm
Timestamp: 2018-01-19 07:29:58
Document Index: 487253574

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Bill 6 — 2007: Public Inquiry Act
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BILL 6 — 2007
This Bill repeals and replaces the Inquiry Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 224, with a new Public Inquiry Act. The new Act provides powers to establish 2 types of commissions of inquiry: study commissions and hearing commissions. A hearing commission has a broader range of powers and duties than a study commission, including special powers to compel witnesses and order disclosure, and to find a person in contempt. However, these powers may be extended to study commissions, or the 2 types of commissions may be combined.
2 Establishing a commission
6 Responsibilities of chief commissioner
7 Commission staff
8 Commissioner duties
9 Power to make directives
10 Power to inspect
11 Who may participate
12 Powers respecting participants
13 Rights of participants
14 Power to accept information
15 Power to prohibit or limit attendance or access
16 Power to maintain order
17 Participant's failure to comply with orders
18 Power to record meetings or hearings
19 Privative clause
20 Powers of study commissions
21 General powers of hearing commissions
22 Power to compel witnesses and order disclosure
23 Power to apply to court
24 Service of notice or records
25 Hearings open to public
26 Application of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
27 Interim report
28 Final report
29 Disclosure by Crown
30 Responsibility for records
31 Compulsion protection
32 Immunity protection
33 Power to make regulations
35 Transition — Insurance Act
36-41 Consequential Amendments
Part 7 — Consequential Amendments of Statutes Not Requiring Commissioner Powers,
Duties or Protections
42-44 Consequential Amendments
45-66 Consequential Amendments
67-109 Consequential Amendments
110-115 Consequential Amendments
116-126 Consequential Amendments
127-133 Consequential Amendments
"chief commissioner" means
(a)	if only one commissioner is appointed, that commissioner, or
(b)	if more than one commissioner is appointed, the commissioner designated as chief commissioner under section 5 (2);
"commission" means a commission of inquiry established under section 2;
"commissioner" means a person appointed as a commissioner under section 5;
"hearing commission" means a commission designated as a hearing commission under section 2;
"information" includes evidence and records;
"participant" means a person who is provided with notice or is accepted as a participant under section 11;
"study commission" means a commission designated as a study commission under section 2.
2 (1)	The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, by order, establish a commission to inquire into and report on a matter that the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers to be of public interest.
(2)	In an order made under subsection (1), the Lieutenant Governor in Council must do the following:
(a)	define the purposes of the commission;
(b)	set the terms of reference of the inquiry;
(c)	designate the commission as a study commission, hearing commission or both;
(d)	appoint one or more commissioners in accordance with Division 2 [Appointment of Commissioners and Staff];
(e)	subject to any directives of Treasury Board, set the remuneration of the commissioners and compensation for expenses, if any.
(a)	the government of another jurisdiction;
(b)	an aboriginal organization exercising government functions in British Columbia.
(2)	If a joint commission is established with a government of another jurisdiction, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may, in the order establishing the commission, exempt the commission from all or part of a provision of this Act or the regulations made under it if necessary to avoid a conflict of law.
5 (1)	On establishing a commission, the Lieutenant Governor in Council
(a)	must appoint a commissioner to conduct the inquiry, and
(b)	may appoint other commissioners.
(2)	If more than one commissioner is appointed, the Lieutenant Governor in Council must designate the commissioner who is to act as chief commissioner.
(3)	Unless the Lieutenant Governor in Council states otherwise in the appointment order, a commissioner may rely on all decisions made and information received by any former or current commissioner of the inquiry to which the commissioner is appointed.
(a)	the effective management and operation of the commission,
(b)	the organization and allocation of work among commissioners, including assigning commissioners to panels consisting of one or more commissioners, and
(c)	ensuring that the commission is financially responsible and accountable.
7 (1)	The chief commissioner may appoint employees, in accordance with the Public Service Act, necessary to exercise the powers and perform the duties of a commission.
(2)	The chief commissioner may engage or retain consultants, investigators, lawyers, expert witnesses or other persons the chief commissioner considers necessary to exercise the powers and perform the duties of a commission.
(3)	The Public Service Act does not apply to a person engaged or retained under subsection (2) of this section.
9 (1)	Subject to this Act and the commission's terms of reference, a commission has the power to control its own processes and may make directives respecting practice and procedure to facilitate the just and timely fulfillment of its duties.
(2)	Without limiting subsection (1), a commission may make directives as follows:
(a)	respecting timetables for the conduct of the inquiry, including dividing the inquiry into phases;
(b)	respecting adjournments;
(c)	respecting the extension or abridgement of time limits provided for in the directives;
(d)	respecting applications to be a participant;
(e)	respecting the transcription or recording of meetings and hearings and the process and fees for reproduction of a transcription or recording if a person requests one;
(f)	respecting access to, and restriction of access to, commission records by any person;
(g)	establishing the forms it considers advisable.
(3)	For any matter under this Act for which a commission may make directives, the commission may, for different persons or classes of persons,
(a)	make different directives, and
(b)	waive or modify one or more of its directives as necessary.
(4)	A commission must make accessible to the public any directives made under this Act.
(5)	A commission may make an order in respect of any matter for which a directive has been made, or may be made, under this Act.
10 Subject to this Act and the commission's terms of reference, a commission may
(a)	conduct an inspection of a public place, including copying any records found in that place, and
(b)	with the permission of the owner or occupier, conduct an inspection of a private place, including copying any records found in that place.
11 (1)	A person may act as a participant if the person
(a)	is provided with notice under subsection (2), or
(b)	is accepted as a participant under subsection (4).
(2)	If a hearing commission intends to make a finding of misconduct against a person, or intends to make a report that alleges misconduct by a person, the hearing commission must first provide the person with
(a)	reasonable notice of the allegations against that person, and
(b)	notice of how that person may respond to the allegations.
(3)	A person other than one described in subsection (2) may apply to be a participant by applying to a commission in the manner and form it requires.
(4)	On receiving an application under subsection (3), a commission may accept the applicant as a participant after considering all of the following:
(a)	whether, and to what extent, the person's interests may be affected by the findings of the commission;
(b)	whether the person's participation would further the conduct of the inquiry;
(c)	whether the person's participation would contribute to the fairness of the inquiry.
12 (1)	Subject to section 13 [rights of participants], a commission may make orders respecting
(a)	the manner and extent of a participant's participation,
(b)	the rights and responsibilities of a participant, if any, and
(c)	any limits or conditions on a participant's participation.
(2)	In making an order under subsection (1), a commission may
(a)	make different orders for different participants or classes of participants, and
(b)	waive or modify one or more of its orders as necessary.
(3)	In making an order under subsection (1), a hearing commission must ensure that a participant who responds to a notice under section 11 (2) has a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the commission before the commission makes a finding of misconduct against the participant, or makes a report that alleges misconduct by that participant.
13 (1)	A participant may
(a)	participate on his or her own behalf, or
(b)	be represented by counsel or, with the approval of the commission, by an agent.
(2)	A participant
(a)	has the same immunities as a witness who appears before the court, and
(b)	is considered to have objected to answering any question that may
(i)	incriminate the participant in a criminal proceeding, or
(ii)	establish the participant's liability in a civil proceeding.
(3)	Any answer provided by a participant before a commission must not be used or admitted in evidence against the participant in any trial or other proceedings, other than a prosecution for perjury in respect of the answer provided.
14 (1)	A commission may receive and accept information that it considers relevant, necessary and appropriate, whether or not the information would be admissible in any court.
(2)	Without limiting section 12 [powers respecting participants], a commission may exclude anything unduly repetitious.
(3)	Nothing in subsection (1) overrides the provisions of any Act expressly limiting the extent to which or purposes for which any oral testimony, records or things may be admitted or used in evidence.
15 (1)	A commission may, by order, prohibit or restrict a person or a class of persons, or the public, from attending all or part of a meeting or hearing, or from accessing all or part of any information provided to or held by the commission,
(a)	if the government asserts privilege or immunity over the information under section 29 [disclosure by Crown],
(b)	for any reason for which information could or must be withheld by a public body under sections 15 to 19 and 21 to 22.1 [privacy rights, business interests and public interest] of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, or
(c)	if the commission has reason to believe that the order is necessary for the effective and efficient fulfillment of the commission's terms of reference.
(2)	In making an order under subsection (1), a hearing commission must not unduly prejudice the rights and interests of a participant against whom a finding of misconduct, or a report alleging misconduct, may be made.
16 (1)	At a meeting or hearing, a commission may make orders or give directions that it considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the meeting or hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the commission may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
Participant's failure to comply with orders
(a)	schedule a meeting or hearing;
(b)	continue with the inquiry and make a finding or recommendation based on the information before it, with or without providing an opportunity for submissions from that participant;
(c)	make any order necessary for the purpose of enforcing its orders or directives.
18 (1)	A commission may transcribe or record its meetings or hearings.
(2)	If a commission transcribes or records a meeting or hearing, the transcription or recording must be considered to be correct and to constitute part of the record of the meeting or hearing.
(3)	If, by a mechanical or human failure or other accident, the transcription or recording of a meeting or hearing is destroyed, interrupted or incomplete, the validity of the meeting or hearing is not affected.
19 (1)	A commission has exclusive jurisdiction to inquire into, hear and determine all matters and questions of fact and law arising or required to be determined under this Act and to make any order it is permitted to make.
(2)	An order of a commission under this Act or its terms of reference on a matter in respect of which the commission has exclusive jurisdiction is final and conclusive and is not open to question or review in any court.
20 (1)	Subject to this Act and the commission's terms of reference, a study commission may engage in any activity necessary to effectively and efficiently fulfill the duties of the commission, including doing any of the following:
(a)	conducting research, including interviews and surveys;
(b)	consulting with participants, privately or in a manner that is open to the public, either in person or through broadcast proceedings;
(c)	consulting with the public generally and, for that purpose, issuing directives respecting any of the matters set out in subsection (2).
(2)	Without limiting the powers of a commission set out in Division 1, a study commission may make directives respecting any of the following:
(a)	the notification of participants and the public regarding a consultation under this section;
(b)	the holding of public meetings, including the places and times at which public meetings will be held and the frequency of public meetings;
(c)	the conduct of, and the maintenance of order at, public meetings;
(d)	the receipt of oral and written submissions.
(3)	A study commission must not exercise the powers of a hearing commission as set out in sections 21 (1), 22 and 23, unless the study commission is also designated as a hearing commission.
21 (1)	Subject to this Act and the commission's terms of reference, a hearing commission may engage in any activity necessary to effectively and efficiently fulfill the duties of the commission, including doing any of the following:
(a)	issuing directives respecting any of the matters set out in subsection (2);
(b)	holding written, oral and electronic hearings;
(c)	receiving submissions and evidence under oath or affirmation;
(d)	making a finding of misconduct against a person, or making a report that alleges misconduct by a person.
(2)	Without limiting the powers of a commission set out in Division 1, a hearing commission may make directives respecting any of the following:
(a)	the holding of pre-hearing conferences, including confidential pre-hearing conferences, and the requiring of one or more participants to attend a pre-hearing conference;
(b)	procedures for preliminary or interim matters;
(c)	the receipt and disclosure of information, including but not limited to pre-hearing receipt and disclosure and pre-hearing examination of a participant or witness on oath, on affirmation or by affidavit;
(d)	the exchange of records by participants;
(e)	the filing of admissions and written submissions by participants;
(f)	the service and filing of notices, records and orders, including substituted service and the requiring of participants to provide an address for service;
(g)	without limiting any other power of the commission, the effect of a participant's non-compliance with the commission's directives.
(3)	A hearing commission must not exercise the powers of a study commission as set out in section 20 (1), unless the hearing commission is also designated as a study commission.
22 (1)	At any time before making its final report, a hearing commission may serve a summons requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, a meeting or hearing to give evidence on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the commission or a participant information or a thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	A person cannot be compelled to disclose to a hearing commission anything that, in any court, would be privileged under the law of evidence.
(3)	A hearing commission may,
(a)	if a person was summoned to appear before the commission at the request of a participant, order the participant to pay appearance fees and expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by the person summoned, other than fees and expenses incurred by the person in respect of legal representation or advice, and
(b)	in any case, pay appearance fees and expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by a person summoned to appear before the commission, other than fees and expenses incurred by the person in respect of legal representation or advice.
(4)	A hearing commission may apportion fees and expenses under subsection (3) between 2 or more participants, and between one or more participants and the commission.
(5)	Subject to this Act and the hearing commission's terms of reference, a hearing commission may make directives respecting appearance fees and expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by a person summoned to appear before the commission.
(a)	an order directing a person to comply with a summons served by the commission under section 22;
(b)	an order directing any directors and officers of a person to cause the person to comply with a summons served by the commission under section 22;
(c)	a warrant authorizing the commission to conduct an inspection of a private place, including copying any records found in that place;
(d)	an order finding a person to be in contempt, as if in breach of an order or a judgment of the court, for failing or refusing to comply with a summons to
(i)	attend a meeting or hearing before the commission,
(ii)	take an oath or make an affirmation,
(iii)	answer questions, or
(iv)	produce information or things in the person's possession or control;
(e)	an order finding a person to be in contempt, as if in breach of an order or a judgment of the court, for failing or refusing to comply with an order or a directive of the commission;
(f)	an order finding a person to be in contempt, as if in breach of an order or a judgment of the court, for a reason other than as set out in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section.
24 (1)	A hearing commission may provide a notice or record to a person by personal service of a copy of the notice or record or by sending the copy to the person by any of the following means:
(c)	if specified in the hearing commission's directives, another method that allows proof of receipt.
(2)	If a hearing commission is of the opinion that, because there are many participants or for any other reason, it is impracticable to give notice of a hearing to a participant directly or by a method referred to in subsection (1), the commission may give notice of a hearing by public advertisement or otherwise as the commission directs.
(3)	If a notice or record is not served on a person in accordance with this Act or the regulations made under it, an inquiry is not invalidated if
(a)	the contents of the notice or record were known by the person within the time allowed for service,
(a)	ensure that hearings are open to the public, either in person or through broadcast proceedings, and
(b)	give the public access to information submitted in a hearing.
26 (1)	The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, other than section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3) [powers of commissioner in conducting investigations, audits or inquiries], does not apply to any of the following in respect of a hearing commission:
(a)	a personal note, communication or draft report of a commissioner or of a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of a commissioner;
(b)	any information received by the commission to which section 15 [power to prohibit or limit attendance or access] or 29 [disclosure by Crown] of this Act applies;
(c)	a transcription or recording of a hearing;
(d)	information to which public access is provided by the commission.
(2)	Subsection (1) does not apply to personal information, as defined in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, that has been in existence for 100 or more years or to other information that has been in existence for 50 or more years.
27 (1)	If required by the commission's terms of reference, a commission must make an interim report to the minister at the times and on the matters stated in the terms of reference.
(2)	A commission may make an interim report to the minister on any matter relevant to the commission's terms of reference at any time before the commission makes its final report.
(3)	Section 28 (2) to (8) applies to an interim report as if it were a final report.
28 (1)	A commission must make its final report to the minister in writing, setting out
(a)	any findings of fact made by the commission that are relevant to the commission's terms of reference, and the reasons for those findings, and
(b)	if required by the commission's terms of reference, any recommendations of the commission.
(2)	The minister must submit the report to the Executive Council at its next meeting.
(3)	On receiving the report, the Executive Council may direct the minister to withhold portions of the report for any reason for which information could or must be withheld by a public body under sections 15 to 19 and 21 to 22.1 [privacy rights, business interests and public interest] of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
(4)	Following review of the report, the Executive Council must direct the minister to lay the report, except any portion directed to be withheld under subsection (3), before the Legislative Assembly.
(5)	On receiving a direction under subsection (4), the minister must
(a)	remove any portions to be withheld,
(b)	in the report, identify any withheld portions and, to the extent possible, summarize them, and
(c)	either
(i)	if the Legislative Assembly is in session, or will be within 10 days of receiving the direction, promptly lay the report before the Legislative Assembly, or
(ii)	in any other case, promptly file the report with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
(6)	If a report includes a finding of misconduct against a participant, or alleges misconduct by a participant, the minister must make available to the participant a copy of the report.
(7)	Despite the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, if, after a report is laid before the Legislative Assembly, a person makes a request under section 5 of that Act for information in relation to the report, the head of a public body must not refuse to disclose information on any basis on which disclosure must or may be refused under section 12 of that Act.
(8)	A person must not release a report of a commission except in accordance with this section.
29 (1)	If the government discloses to a commission, either voluntarily or in response to a request or summons, any information over which the government asserts privilege or immunity, the privilege or immunity is not waived or defeated for any other purpose by the disclosure.
(2)	If a commission determines that it is necessary to disclose information over which the government asserts privilege or immunity, the privilege or immunity is not waived or defeated for any other purpose by the disclosure.
32 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a commission, a commissioner, a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of a commissioner, or the government, because of anything done or omitted
33 (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 respecting the following:
(a)	service of notice or records by a commission or a participant;
(b)	appearance fees and expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by participants.
(3)	The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make different regulations under subsections (1) and (2) for
(a)	study commissions and hearing commissions, and
(b)	specified commissions.
Transition — Insurance Act
35 (1)	Despite its repeal, the Inquiry Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 224, as it read immediately before its repeal, is deemed to continue for the purposes of section 186 (3) of the Insurance Act.
(2)	This section is repealed on June 1, 2007.
36	Section 39 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 36, is repealed and the following substituted:
39 (1)	In sections 40 to 45, "board" means a commissioner appointed as a study commission under the Public Inquiry Act for the purpose of inquiring into a matter described in section 40 of this Act.
(2)	The board has the powers set out in sections 22 and 23 of the Public Inquiry Act.
37	Section 287.2 (1) of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 323, is amended in paragraph (c) of the definition of "indemnification" by striking out "Part 2 of the Inquiry Act," and substituting "the Public Inquiry Act,".
38	Section 50 of the Police Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 367, is amended
(a)	by repealing subsection (3) (f) and substituting the following:
(f)	make recommendations to the minister for a public inquiry under the Public Inquiry Act if there are reasonable grounds to believe that
(i)	the issues in respect of which the inquiry is recommended are so serious or so widespread that a public inquiry is necessary in the public interest,
(ii)	an investigation conducted under this Part, even if followed by a public hearing, would be too limited in scope, and
(iii)	powers granted under the Public Inquiry Act are needed; , and
(6)	On receiving a recommendation under subsection (3) (f), the minister may request the Lieutenant Governor in Council to appoint a commission under the Public Inquiry Act.
39	Section 63.1 is amended
(a)	by repealing subsection (9) (b) and substituting the following:
(b)	recommend to the minister that an inquiry be made under the Public Inquiry Act. , and
(10)	On receiving a recommendation under subsection (9) (b), the minister may request the Lieutenant Governor in Council to appoint a commission under the Public Inquiry Act.
40	Sections 95 (1) (b) and 166.43 (1) (a) (ii) of the School Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 412, are amended by striking out "Part 2 of the Inquiry Act" and substituting "the Public Inquiry Act".
41	Section 180 (2) of the Vancouver Charter, S.B.C. 1953, c. 55, is amended by striking out "Part 2 of the Inquiry Act" and substituting "the Public Inquiry Act".
Part 7 — Consequential Amendments of Statutes
Not Requiring Commissioner Powers,
42	Section 52 of the Gaming Control Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 14, is repealed.
43	Section 6 (b) of the Legislative Procedure Review Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 261, is repealed.
44	Section 14 (2) of the Marriage Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 282, is repealed.
45	Section 28 (1) of the Agrologists Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 13, is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	For the purposes of a discipline hearing under section 24 of this Act, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the panel.
46	Section 34 is amended
(1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceedings for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a councillor, employee or officer, or any other individual acting on behalf of the institute or under the direction of the council, including a member of a panel appointed under section 25, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty on behalf of the institute or the council under this Act or the bylaws, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power on behalf of the institute or the council under this Act or the bylaws. , and
(a)	protecting the institute, its councillors, employees and officers and former councillors, employees and officers, and panel members and former panel members, against liability arising out of the operations or activities of the institute, and .
47	Section 31 (1) of the College of Applied Biology Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 68, is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	For the purposes of a discipline hearing under section 27 of this Act, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the panel.
48	Section 37 is amended
(1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceedings for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a councillor, employee or officer, or any other individual acting on behalf of the college or under the direction of the council, including a member of a panel appointed under section 28, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty on behalf of the college or the council under this Act or the rules, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power on behalf of the college or the council under this Act or the rules. , and
(a)	protecting the college, its councillors, employees and officers and former councillors, employees and officers, and panel members and former panel members, against liability arising out of the operations or activities of the college, and .
49	Section 93 (11) of the Environmental Management Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 53, is repealed and the following substituted:
(11)	For the purposes of an appeal, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48, 49 and 56 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the appeal board.
50	Section 11 (5) of the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 131, is repealed and the following substituted:
(5)	For the purposes of carrying out its powers and duties under this Act, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48, 49 and 56 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the board.
51	Section 27 (5) of the Foresters Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 19, is repealed and the following substituted:
(5)	For the purposes of a discipline hearing, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the panel.
52	Section 31 (1) is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceedings for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the president, the vice president, a councillor, an agent, an employee or an officer of the association, or any other individual acting on behalf of the association or under the direction of the council, including a member of a panel appointed under section 27, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty on behalf of the association or the council under this Act, the bylaws or the resolutions, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power on behalf of the association or the council under this Act, the bylaws or the resolutions.
53	Section 7 (2) of the Health Emergency Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 182, is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of a hearing under this section, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the board.
54	Section 44 (1) of the Legal Profession Act, S.B.C. 1998, c. 9, is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	For the purposes of a proceeding under Part 2, 3 or 4 of this Act, sections 34 (3), 48, 49 and 56 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the benchers, a panel, the special compensation fund committee and a member of any of these.
55	Section 45 (1) is amended by striking out "section 44 (1) (a) to (c), a person or body referred to in section 44 (1) (a) to (c)" and substituting "section 44 (1), a person or body referred to in section 44 (1)".
56	Section 5 (3) of the Medicare Protection Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 286, is repealed and the following substituted:
(3)	For the purposes of a hearing under this Act, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the commission.
57	Section 15 (7) of the Motor Dealer Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 316, is repealed and the following substituted:
(7)	For the purposes of a hearing under this section, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48, 49 and 56 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the board.
58	Section 27 (1) of the Notaries Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 334, is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	A panel of 3 or more members of the discipline committee may inquire into the conduct of members or former members.
(1.1)	For the purposes of an inquiry under this section, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the panel.
(1.2)	If a member of a panel is unable for any reason to complete the member's duties, the remaining members of that panel, with the consent of the discipline committee, may continue the inquiry, and
(b)	the provisions of this section concerning the panel apply to the remaining panel members.
59	Section 7 (7) of Schedule A of the Public Sector Pension Plans Act, S.B.C. 1999, c. 44, is repealed and the following substituted:
(7)	For the purposes of a hearing under this section, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48, 49 and 56 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the board and a panel of the board.
60	Section 29 (2) of the Real Estate Development Marketing Act, S.B.C. 2004, c. 41, is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of a hearing under this Act, sections 34 (3) and (4) [power to compel witnesses and order disclosure], 48 [maintenance of order at hearings] and 49 [contempt proceeding for uncooperative witness or other person] of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the superintendent as if the superintendent were a tribunal under that Act.
61	Section 42 (2) of the Real Estate Services Act, S.B.C. 2004, c. 42, is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of a discipline hearing, sections 34 (3) and (4) [power to compel witnesses and order disclosure], 48 [maintenance of order at hearings] and 49 [contempt proceeding for uncooperative witness or other person] of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the discipline committee.
62	Section 63 (2) is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of a compensation hearing, sections 34 (3) and (4) [power to compel witnesses and order disclosure], 48 [maintenance of order at hearings] and 49 [contempt proceeding for uncooperative witness or other person] of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the compensation committee.
63	Section 24 of the Secure Care Act, S.B.C. 2000, c. 28, is repealed and the following substituted:
24 For the purposes of a hearing under this Act, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the board and a panel of the board.
64	Section 26 of the Teaching Profession Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 449, is amended
(5)	For the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (4), the qualifications committee or a subcommittee appointed under subsection (1.1) may request the registrar of the college or any member of the qualifications committee to make preliminary investigations.
(5.1)	For the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (4) of this section, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the qualifications committee and a subcommittee appointed under subsection (1.1) of this section. , and
(7)	For the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (6) (b) of this section, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the council.
65	Section 32 (3) is repealed and the following substituted:
(3)	For the purposes of an inquiry under section 28 (5) or 29 of this Act, sections 34 (3) and (4), 48 and 49 of the Administrative Tribunals Act apply to the council, the discipline committee and a subcommittee.
66	Section 42 (1) is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	An action for damages does not lie against the college, the council, a member, an officer or employee of the college, or any other person, for anything done or omitted by him or her in good faith while acting or purporting to act on behalf of the college or the council under this Act.
Part 9 — Consequential Amendments Concerning
Statutory and Other Decision Makers
67	Section 24 of the Corporation Capital Tax Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 73, is repealed and the following substituted:
Power to make inquiry
24 (1)	A person authorized in writing by the administrator may make inquiries he or she considers necessary for ascertaining the tax liability of a financial corporation.
(2)	For the purposes of making inquiries under subsection (1), the authorized person may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the authorized person to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the authorized person a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(3)	The authorized person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(a)	directing a person to comply with an order made under subsection (2), or
(b)	directing any directors and officers of a person to cause the person to comply with an order made under subsection (2).
24.1 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 24 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the person authorized to make inquiries under that section, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the authorized person;
24.2 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a person authorized to make inquiries under section 24, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the authorized, person because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 24, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under section 24 or 24.1.
68	Section 28 (2) of the Correction Act, S.B.C. 2004, c. 46, is amended by adding "and" at the end of paragraph (e) and by repealing paragraph (f).
Power to compel persons to answer questions
and order disclosure
28.1 (1)	For the purposes of an investigation under section 28 (2) (b), (c) or (d), the director may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the director to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the director a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	The director may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
28.2 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 28.1 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the director, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the director;
28.3 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the director, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the director, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 28, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under sections 28 to 28.2.
70	Section 6 of the Debtor Assistance Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 93, is repealed and the following substituted:
6 (1)	The director, or a person authorized in writing by the director, may make inquiries with regard to the assets and liabilities of a debtor who applies for assistance under this Act or in respect of whom a referral has been made by a court.
(2)	For the purpose of an inquiry under subsection (1), the director may make an order requiring any person who the director considers has any knowledge of the affairs of the debtor, including the debtor, the debtor's employees and agents and the debtor's creditors, to do either or both of the following:
(3)	The director may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(b)	directing any officers and governing members of a person to cause the person to comply with an order made under subsection (2).
6.1 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 6 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the director, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
71	Section 2 of the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 107, is amending by adding the following subsections:
(3)	If one member of the commission is unable for any reason to complete the member's duties, 2 members of the commission may continue to exercise powers and perform duties as the commission under this Act, and
(a)	the vacancy does not invalidate any action taken, and
(b)	the provisions of this Act concerning the commission continue to apply.
(4)	If a member of the commission is unable for any reason to complete the member's duties, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may, subject to the limitations and conditions set out in subsection (1), appoint a person to complete the member's duties, and that person may rely on all decisions made and information received by any member of the commission.
72	Section 6 is repealed and the following substituted:
Power to compel persons to give evidence
6 (1)	For the purposes of this Act, the commission may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following;
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the commission to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the commission a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	The commission may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
6.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the commission may make orders or give directions that it considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the commission may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
(3)	Without limiting subsection (1), the commission, by order, may
(a)	impose restrictions on a person's continued participation in or attendance at a hearing, and
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the commission orders otherwise.
6.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 6 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commission, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the commission;
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 6.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commission, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
6.3 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the commission, a member of the commission or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the commission or a member of the commission, because of anything done or omitted
73	Section 84 of the Employment Standards Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 113, is repealed and the following substituted:
84 (1)	For the purposes of this Act, the director may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(b)	directing any officers and governing members of a person to cause the person to comply with an order made under subsection (1).
84.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the director may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the director may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
(3)	Without limiting subsection (1), the director, by order, may
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the director orders otherwise.
84.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 84 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the director, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 84.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the director, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
84.3 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the director, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the director, because of anything done or omitted
74	Section 8 (2) (d) of the Financial Administration Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 138, is repealed and the following substituted:
(d)	may examine any person with respect to any matter that, under any Act, the Comptroller General is required or authorized to check, examine or control.
8.1 (1)	For the purposes of an examination under section 8 (2) (d), the Comptroller General may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the Comptroller General to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the Comptroller General a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	The Comptroller General may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
8.2 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 8.1 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the Comptroller General, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the Comptroller General;
76	Section 44 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 165, is amended
(1)	For the purposes of conducting an investigation or an audit under section 42 or an inquiry under section 56, the commissioner may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the commissioner to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the commissioner a record in the custody or under the control of the person, including a record containing personal information.
(2)	The commissioner may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(b)	directing any directors and officers of a person to cause the person to comply with an order made under subsection (1). , and
(b)	in subsections (2.1), (3) and (4) by striking out "or (2)".
77	The following sections are added:
44.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the commissioner may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the commissioner may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
(3)	Without limiting subsection (1), the commissioner, by order, may
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the commissioner orders otherwise.
44.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 44 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 44.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
78	Section 61 (1) is amended by striking out "43, 44" and substituting "43 to 44.2".
79	Section 15 (2) and (3) of the Health Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 179, is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of an investigation under subsection (1), the commissioner may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(b)	produce for the commissioner a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(3)	The commissioner may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
80	The following sections are added:
15.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the commissioner may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the commissioner may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
15.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 15 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 15.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
15.3 (1)	The commissioner may appoint employees, in accordance with the Public Service Act, necessary to exercise the powers and perform the duties of a commission.
(2)	The commissioner may engage or retain consultants, investigators, lawyers, expert witnesses or other persons the commissioner considers necessary for the purposes of an investigation under section 15, and may determine their remuneration.
15.4 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the commissioner, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the commissioner, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 15, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under sections 15 to 15.3.
Indian Advisory Act
81	Section 2 (3) of the Indian Advisory Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 217, is repealed and the following substituted:
(3)	For the purposes of this Act, the chair may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the chair to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the chair a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(4)	The chair may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(a)	directing a person to comply with an order made under subsection (3), or
(b)	directing any directors and officers of a person to cause the person to comply with an order made under subsection (3).
2.1 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 2 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the chair of the committee, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the chair;
83	Section 76 (4) of the Labour Relations Code, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 244, is repealed and the following substituted:
(4)	The special mediator, in carrying out his or her duties under this Code, has the powers and protection set out in sections 145.1 to 145.4.
84	Section 79 (7) is repealed and the following substituted:
(7)	The members of an industrial inquiry commission have the powers and protection set out in sections 145.1 to 145.4.
85	Section 109 is amended by striking out "has the powers of a commissioner under sections 12, 15 and 16 of the Inquiry Act" and substituting "has the powers and protection set out in sections 145.1 to 145.4".
86	The following sections are added:
145.1 (1)	For the purposes of carrying out duties under this Code, a special mediator appointed under section 76, an industrial inquiry commission appointed under section 79 or a special officer may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following;
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer, as applicable, to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer, as applicable, a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	The special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
145.2 (1)	At an oral hearing, a special mediator appointed under section 76, an industrial inquiry commission appointed under section 79 or a special officer may make orders or give directions as necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer who made the order or gave the direction may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
(3)	Without limiting subsection (1), the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer, by order, may
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer, as applicable, orders otherwise.
145.3 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 145.1 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer referred to in that section, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer;
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 145.2 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the special mediator, industrial inquiry commission or special officer referred to in that section, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
145.4 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the special mediator, the industrial inquiry commission, a member of the industrial inquiry commission or the special officer referred to in section 145.1, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of any of these, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under this Code, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under this Code.
87	Section 11 (2) of the Logging Tax Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 277, is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of subsection (1), the officer may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following;
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the officer to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the officer a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(3)	The officer may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
88	The following sections are added:
11.1 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 11 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the officer authorized to act under that section, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the officer;
11.2 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the officer authorized to act under section 11, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the officer, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 11, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under section 11 or 11.1.
89	Sections 13 (9) and 40 (10) of the Mineral Tenure Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 292, are repealed.
90	The following sections are added:
40.1 (1)	For the purposes of making a determination under section 13 or 40, the chief gold commissioner may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following;
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the chief gold commissioner to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the chief gold commissioner a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	The chief gold commissioner may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(a)	attend before the chief gold commissioner;
40.3 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the chief gold commissioner, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the chief gold commissioner, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 13 or 40, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under section 13 or 40 to 40.2.
91	Section 8 of the Mines Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 293, is repealed and the following substituted:
8 (1)	For the purposes of conducting an investigation under section 7, an inspector may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(b)	produce for the inspector a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	An inspector may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(a)	attend before the inspector;
92	The Ministry of Energy and Mines Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 298, is amended by adding the following section:
7.1 In sections 8 to 8.5:
93	Section 8 (2) (b) is repealed and the following substituted:
(b)	for the purposes of an investigation or inquiry, confer on investigators
(i)	the powers set out in sections 8.2 to 8.4, and
(ii)	the protection set out in section 8.5, .
94	The following sections are added:
(a)	a regulation has been made under section 8 (2) (b) authorizing the minister to confer on investigators the powers and protection referred to in that section, and
(b)	the minister confers those powers and that protection on the investigator.
8.2 (1)	For the purposes of conducting an investigation or inquiry, an investigator may make an order requiring a person, other than a person described in section 8 (2) (c), to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the investigator to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the investigator a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	An investigator may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
8.3 (1)	At an oral hearing, the investigator may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the investigator may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
(3)	Without limiting subsection (1), the investigator, by order, may
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the investigator orders otherwise.
8.4 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 8.2 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by an investigator, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the investigator;
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 8.3 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by an investigator, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
8.5 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against an investigator, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of an investigator, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 8, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under sections 8.2 to 8.4.
95	Section 38 (1) of the Personal Information Protection Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 63, is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	For the purposes of conducting an investigation or an audit under section 36 or an inquiry under section 50, the commissioner may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(b)	produce for the commissioner a document in the custody or under the control of the person, including a document containing personal information.
(1.1)	The commissioner may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
96	Section 38 (2) is amended
(a)	by adding "and" at the end of paragraph (a) (ii), and
97	Section 38 (3), (5) and (6) is amended by striking out "subsection (1) or (2) (a) or (b)" and substituting "subsection (1) or (2) (a)".
98	The following sections are added:
38.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the commissioner may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the commissioner may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
38.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 38 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(d)	produce documents in the person's custody or under their control.
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 38.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the commissioner, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
99	Section 19 (1) of the Private Investigators and Security Agencies Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 374, is amended by striking out everything after "in accordance with the regulations".
100	Section 20 is amended by adding the following subsections:
(4.1)	For the purposes of an appeal, the director may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following;
(4.2)	The director may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(a)	directing a person to comply with an order made under subsection (4.1), or
(b)	directing any directors and officers of a person to cause the person to comply with an order made under subsection (4.1).
101	The following sections are added:
21.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the director may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the director may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
21.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 20 (4.1) to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the director, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 21.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the director, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
21.3 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the director, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the director, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 19 or 20, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under sections 19 to 21.2.
102	Section 20 of the Public Service Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 385, is repealed and the following substituted:
20 (1)	For the purposes of a review under section 19, the merit commissioner may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the merit commissioner to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the merit commissioner a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	The merit commissioner may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(a)	attend before the merit commissioner;
20.02 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against the merit commissioner, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the merit commissioner, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 19, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under sections 19 to 20.01.
Railway and Ferries Bargaining Assistance Act
103	Section 18 (3) of the Railway and Ferries Bargaining Assistance Act, S.B.C. 1976, c. 48, is amended by striking out ", and" at the end of paragraph (c), by repealing paragraphs (b) and (d) and by substituting the following:
(b)	may make an order requiring a person to do any of the following:
(i)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the fact-finder to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(ii)	give evidence or information on affidavit or otherwise;
(iii)	produce for the fact-finder a record or thing in the person's possession or control,
(b.1)	may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(i)	directing a person to comply with a requirement or an order made under paragraph (a) or (b), or
(ii)	directing any directors and officers of a person to cause the person to comply with a requirement or an order made under paragraph (a) or (b), and .
104	The following sections are added to Part III:
18.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the fact-finder may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the fact-finder may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
(3)	Without limiting subsection (1), the fact-finder, by order, may
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the fact-finder orders otherwise.
18.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to a requirement or an order under section 18 (3) (a) or (b) to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the fact-finder, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the fact-finder;
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 18.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the fact-finder, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
18.3 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a fact-finder, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of a fact-finder, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 18, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under sections 18 to 18.2.
105	Section 14 of the Representative for Children and Youth Act, S.B.C. 2006, c. 29, is repealed and the following substituted:
14 (1)	For the purposes of an investigation under this Part, the representative may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the representative to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the representative a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(2)	The representative may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
(a)	attend before the representative;
106	Section 177 of the Vancouver Charter, S.B.C. 1953, c. 55, is repealed and the following substituted:
Barrister's powers
177. (1)	The barrister engaged under section 176 must without delay make the investigation and report to the Council.
(2)	For the purposes of an investigation and report, the barrister may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the barrister to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the barrister a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(3)	The barrister may apply to the court for an order
(4)	The barrister may allow a person whose conduct is being investigated, and must allow a person against whom any charge is made in the course of an investigation, to be represented by counsel.
(5)	A report must not be made against a person against whom any charge is made in the course of an investigation until the person
(a)	has been given reasonable notice of the charge, and
(b)	has been allowed full opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel.
177.1 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 177 (2) to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the court by the barrister, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the court:
(a)	attend before the barrister;
107	Section 89 of the Water Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 483, is repealed and the following substituted:
89 (1)	If it appears to the comptroller, a regional water manager or an engineer that the proper determination of a matter within his or her jurisdiction requires a public or other inquiry, he or she may hold that inquiry.
(2)	For the purposes of an inquiry, the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer, as applicable, to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer, as applicable, a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(3)	The comptroller, regional water manager or engineer may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
89.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing, and, if any person disobeys or fails to comply with any order or direction, the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer, as applicable, may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce the order or direction.
(3)	Without limiting subsection (1), the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer, by order, may
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer, as applicable, orders otherwise.
89.2 (1)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 89 to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer who made the order, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer;
(2)	The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order or direction under section 89.1 to comply with the order or direction makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the comptroller, regional water manager or engineer who made the order, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court.
108	Section 38 of the Youth Justice Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 85, is amended
(a)	in subsection (2) by striking out "The minister and any person appointed by the minister to conduct an investigation under this section has, for the purposes of the investigation, all the powers, privileges and protections of a commissioner under sections 12, 15 and 16 of the Inquiry Act, and is entitled access at any time to" and substituting "For the purposes of an investigation under this section, the minister and any person appointed by the minister to conduct the investigation is entitled access at any time to", and
(3)	For the purposes of an investigation under this section, the minister and any person appointed by the minister to conduct the investigation may make an order requiring a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the minister or appointed person to answer questions on oath or affirmation, or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the minister or appointed person a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(4)	The minister or appointed person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order
109	The following sections are added:
38.1 The failure or refusal of a person subject to an order under section 38 (3) to do any of the following makes the person, on application to the Supreme Court by the minister or a person appointed to conduct an investigation under that section, liable to be committed for contempt as if in breach of an order or judgment of the Supreme Court:
(a)	attend before the minister or appointed person;
38.2 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a person appointed to conduct an investigation under section 38, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the appointed person, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty under section 38, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power under section 38 or 38.1.
Part 10 — Consequential Amendments to Provide
Direct Contempt Powers
110	Section 21 (2) of the Members' Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 287, is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of preparing an opinion under section 19 or conducting a special assignment under section 20, the commissioner may order a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the commissioner to give evidence on oath or affirmation or in any other manner;
(2.1)	An order under subsection (2) must be in the form of a summons, served on the person by personal delivery or registered mail to the person's last known address.
Power to enforce summons and punish for contempt
21.1 (1)	The commissioner may make an order finding a person to be in contempt, and may impose a fine on or commit the person for contempt, if the person has been served with a summons under section 21 and fails or refuses to do any of the following:
(2)	The commissioner may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce an order made under this section, and, if called on, the peace officer may take any action that is necessary to enforce the order and may use such force as is reasonably required for that purpose.
112	Section 61 (8) of the Police Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 367, is repealed and the following substituted:
(8)	For the purposes of conducting a public hearing, the adjudicator may order a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the adjudicator to give evidence on oath or affirmation or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the adjudicator a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(9)	An order under subsection (8) must be in the form of a summons, served on the person by personal delivery or registered mail to the person's last known address.
113	The following sections are added:
61.01 (1)	At a public hearing, the adjudicator may make orders or give directions that he or she considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the public hearing.
(2)	Without limiting subsection (1), the adjudicator, by order, may
(a)	impose restrictions on a person's continued participation in or attendance at a public hearing, and
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a public hearing until the adjudicator orders otherwise.
61.02 (1)	The adjudicator may make an order finding a person to be in contempt, and may impose a fine on or commit the person for contempt, if the person has been served with a summons under section 61 and fails or refuses to do any of the following:
(a)	attend before the adjudicator;
(2)	The adjudicator may make an order finding a person to be in contempt, and may commit the person for contempt, if the person fails or refuses to comply with an order or direction under section 61.01.
(3)	Subsections (1) and (2) do not limit the conduct for which a finding of contempt may be made by the adjudicator.
(4)	The adjudicator may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce an order made under this section or an order or direction made under section 61.01, and, if called on, the peace officer may take any action that is necessary to enforce the order or direction and may use such force as is reasonably required for that purpose.
61.2 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against an adjudicator of a public hearing, or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the adjudicator, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty in relation to a public hearing, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power in relation to a public hearing.
114	Section 27 (1) of the Provincial Court Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 379, is repealed and the following substituted:
(1)	For the purposes of conducting an inquiry under this Act, a tribunal may order a person to do either or both of the following:
(a)	attend, in person or by electronic means, before the tribunal to give evidence on oath or affirmation or in any other manner;
(b)	produce for the tribunal a record or thing in the person's possession or control.
(1.1)	An order under subsection (1) must be in the form of a summons, served on the person by personal delivery or registered mail to the person's last known address.
27.1 (1)	At an oral hearing, the tribunal may make orders or give directions that the tribunal considers necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing.
(2)	Without limiting subsection (1), the tribunal, by order, may
(b)	exclude a person from further participation in or attendance at a hearing until the tribunal orders otherwise.
27.2 (1)	A tribunal may make an order finding a person to be in contempt, and may impose a fine on or commit the person for contempt, if the person has been served with a summons under section 27 and fails or refuses to do any of the following:
(a)	attend before the tribunal;
(2)	The tribunal may make an order finding a person to be in contempt, and may commit the person for contempt, if the person fails or refuses to comply with an order or direction under section 27.1.
(3)	Subsections (1) and (2) do not limit the conduct for which a finding of contempt may be made by the tribunal.
(4)	The tribunal may call on the assistance of any peace officer to enforce an order made under this section or an order or direction made under section 27.1, and, if called on, the peace officer may take any action that is necessary to enforce the order or direction and may use such force as is reasonably required for that purpose.
27.3 (1)	Subject to subsection (2), no legal proceeding for damages lies or may be commenced or maintained against a tribunal, a member of a tribunal or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of a tribunal, because of anything done or omitted
(a)	in the performance or intended performance of any duty in relation to an inquiry, or
(b)	in the exercise or intended exercise of any power in relation to an inquiry.
Part 11 — Consequential Amendments of Statutes That
Provide for Public Inquiries
116	Section 4 (4) of the Crown Counsel Agreement Continuation Act, S.B.C. 2005, c. 4, is repealed and the following substituted:
(4)	For the purposes of an inquiry under this section, a person appointed to the commission has the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
117	Section 5 (4) of the Education Services Collective Agreement Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 1, is repealed and the following substituted:
118	Section 14 (4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 43, is repealed and the following substituted:
(4)	For the purposes of an assessment conducted under this section by a commission or hearing panel, the minister, by order, may confer on the commission or hearing panel, as the case may be, the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 16, 17, 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) to (f) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
119	Section 113 of the Environmental Management Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 53, is amended
(1)	If the minister considers it necessary, the minister may
(a)	order an inquiry with respect to the environment, and
(b)	appoint a person to conduct the inquiry. , and
(3)	For the purposes of an inquiry under this section, the minister or person appointed under subsection (1) has the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 16, 17, 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) to (f) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
120	Section 18.1 (3) of the Health Professions Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 183, is repealed and the following substituted:
(3)	For the purposes of an inquiry under this section, a person appointed under subsection (1) has the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
121	Section 144 of the Labour Relations Code, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 244, is repealed and the following substituted:
144 For the purpose of obtaining information to which the minister is entitled under this Code, the minister or a person designated by the minister has the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
122	Section 1021 (3) of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 323, is repealed and the following substituted:
(3)	For the purposes of an inquiry under this section, the person holding the inquiry has the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 16, 17, 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) to (f) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
123	Section 6 of the Ministry of Labour Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 306, is repealed and the following substituted:
6 For the purposes of obtaining information to which the minister is entitled under this Act, the minister or a person designated by the minister has the powers of a commission under sections 22 (1) and 23 (a), (b) and (d) of the Public Inquiry Act.
124	Section 10 (6) of the Public Education Support Staff Collective Bargaining Assistance Act, S.B.C. 2000, c. 2, is repealed and the following substituted:
(6)	For the purposes of an inquiry under this section, the commissioner has the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
125	Section 4 (a) of the Railway and Ferries Bargaining Assistance Act, S.B.C. 1976, c. 48, is repealed and the following substituted:
(a)	has the powers, privileges and protection of a commission under sections 16, 17, 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) to (f) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act, .
126	Section 129 (2) of the Real Estate Services Act, S.B.C. 2004, c. 42, is repealed and the following substituted:
(2)	For the purposes of a review, the person conducting the review has the powers and protection of a commission under sections 22 (1), 23 (a), (b) and (d) and 32 of the Public Inquiry Act.
127	Section 61 (2) of the Administrative Tribunals Act, S.B.C. 2004, c. 45, is amended by striking out "section 44 (2), (2.1) and (3)," and substituting "section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3),".
128	Section 74 (2) of the Adoption Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 5, is amended by striking out "Section 44 (2) and (3)" and substituting "Section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3)".
129	Section 24 (2) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 46, is amended by striking out "section 44 (2) and (3)," and substituting "section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3),".
130	Section 51 (7) of the Evidence Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 124, is amended by striking out "section 44 (2) and (3)" and substituting "section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3)".
131	Sections 3 (4), 41 (2) and 100 (5) of the Family Relations Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 128, is amended by striking out "section 44 (2) and (3)" and substituting "section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3)".
132	Section 148 (2) of the Securities Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 418, is amended by striking out "section 44 (2) and (3)" and substituting "section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3)".
133	Section 9 (2) of the Statistics Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 439, is amended by striking out "section 44 (2) and (3)" and substituting "section 44 (1) (b), (2), (2.1) and (3)".