LIBR 539A Government Documents

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LIBR 539A Government Documents

• Charles Hogg

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1 Statutes, Regulations and the Legislative
Process

• Parliamentary Rules and Procedures
• How a Bill Becomes Law
• Legislative Documents and Proceedings 
• QP Legaleze Statutes, Orders in Council and
  Regulations
• Using Print Statutes

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1.1 Parliamentary Rules and Procedures

• Parliamentary practice in British Columbia by
  MacMinn, E. George., British Columbia.
  Legislative Assembly. Office of the Clerk.,
  British Columbia
•  
• Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of
  British Columbia
• http//www.leg.bc.ca/38th4th/4-7-38-4.htm 
• describes the rules specific to Legislative
  Assembly including speaking times, the stages of
  a bill, length of question period etc..
• amended and approved by the Assembly.
• Parliaments, Sessions and Sittings. Prorogation,
  Dissolution and Adjournment
•  
•  

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1.2 How A Bill Becomes Law

• Types of Bills
• Government Bills
• Members' Bills
• Private Bills
• Stages of a Bill
• First Reading Second Reading Committee Third
  Reading
• Royal Assent and Coming into Force (see Bill 16,
  Bill 19, Bill 29) 
• Review Handout
• Relevance to Reference
• Stages are in indexes for the Journals, Hansard
  and other legislative resources
• Understand the stage of current bills before the
  house. Progress of Bills. http//www.leg.bc.ca/38t
  h4th/votes/progress-of-bills.htm

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1.3 Legislative Documents and Proceedings

• Debates of the Legislative Assembly (Hansard)
• Hansard begins in 1970. Prior to 1970 there is no
  transcript of debates. Hansard is "substantially
  verbatim".
• Available online. Variety of indexes to navigate
  content (member, business, subject) and key word
  searching.
• http//www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/index.htm
• Votes and Proceedings (Journals)
•  The minutes of the legislative assembly.
• Includes bills, recorded votes, motions,
  petitions and other records of routine business.
• Start in 1872.
• http//www.leg.bc.ca/38th4th/votes/index.htm
• Orders of the Day

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1.3a Parliamentary Committees

• Recieve terms of reference from House and work on
  specific issues in more detail.
• Have the ability to gather written and
  testimonial input from the public.
• They frequently travel.
• http//www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/5-2.htm 

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1.4 Statutes

• Finding Statutes
• QP Legaleze legal research site with a powerful
  search engine, enhanced research features, and
  comprehensive legislative content.
  http//www.qplegaleze.ca/default.htm
• BC Laws Website free public access to the
  unofficial version of the current laws
  http//www.bclaws.ca/
• Print Statutes of British Columbia and Revised
  Statutes of British Columbia (Official Versions)
•  
• Statutes in Detail (log in to QP Legaleze)
•  
•   
•  

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1.5 QPLegalEze

• British Columbia Statutes and Regulations
• Updated Statutes and Regulations
• Statutes repealed, replaced and renamed
• Private, Special and Local Statutes
• Orders in Council (OIC)
• Gazettes and more.
• Open QPLegaleze. Open the Adoption Act.

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1.5 Table of Legislative Changes

• Tables of Legislative Change These tables
  identifies Changes Not in Force and Changes in
  Force. The first edition table provides details
  on changes made from January 1, 1997 to December
  31, 2004. The second edition table provides
  details on changes from January 1, 2005 to the
  present.

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1.5 How to view the Act before changes?

• Point-in-Time Table This table links users to an
  on-going list showing how sections of an Act read
  prior to an amendment. It includes data from
  September 2000.
• Look at Section 1 in Table of Legislative Changes
  and compare to Point in Time for the Adoption
  Act. 

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1.5 List of Updated Statutes and Regulations

• The list of updated Acts and Regulations since
  the date of the latest consolidation. Note that
  this relates to the latest loose-leaf print
  consolidation.
• Important for double checking recent changes that
  may not be reflected in official print versions.
• Example Notaries Act

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1.5 How to find a statute that is no longer in
effect?

• Table of Statutes Repealed, Replaced and
  Renamed This table assists with tracking
  outdated legislation. It covers public statutes
  since 1897 that have been repealed and not
  replaced repealed and replaced by a statute with
  a different title or statutes that have been
  retitled either by amendment of the Legislature
  or during revision.
• Examples Residential Tenancy Act (not listed),
  Labour Relations.

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1.5 Using the Print Statutes

• QP Legaleze has only recent consolidations.
• Print Statutes must be used for tracing older
  legislation.
• SBC v RSBC
• Tracing the history of an act using the indexes.
  (Adoption Act Example)
• RSBC Years. 1996,1979,1960,1948,1936, 1924, 1911,
  etc.

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1.6 How to keep track of recent Regulations?

• Regulation Bulletins The Bulletins provide a
  weekly summary of the Regulations. The Cumulative
  Bulletin lists all regulations deposited to date,
  in alphabetical order by statute name. As well
  there are hyperlinks to the full text
  Order-in-Council or Ministerial Order and BC
  Gazette Part II from the Bulletin listing. It
  includes data from 1999. Also Available from BC
  Laws.

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1.6 Regulations Notes

• Regulations Act (S.B.C. 1958 c. 49) provides
  for a central repository for regulations and
  there publication in the B.C. Gazette Part II
  (produced every second week.
• Regulations are the results of empowering
  legislation. Legislation must say that regulation
  be made or something prescribed. Examples
• directs the way somebody must act
• sets fees
• limites rights and freedoms.
• About one quarter of Orders in Council are also
  regulations.
• Example Adoption Act Regulations and Regulations
  Bulletin in QP Legaleze. Also the Index to
  Changes.  

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1.5 How to find the full-text of an OIC?

• Order-in-Council and Ministerial Resumes These
  are reports of the decisions of the Lieutenant
  Governor in Council and Ministers and include the
  Order-in-Council or Ministerial Order number the
  originating Ministry the name of the Act which
  provides the authority for the Order and a brief
  description of the subject matter. It includes
  data from January 1999 to present.
• Orders are available as image pdfs, but the text
  is not searchable.
• Orders cover appointments , approval of Letters
  Patent, transfer of powers ministers and
  ministries, approval of regulations and more.

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1.5 Other OIC Finding Tips

• Order in Council Resumes Available Online (BC
  Laws Website ),
• Print Microfilm.
• Order in Council Office ph [phone]

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1.5 QPLegalEze

• Other QPLegaleze
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• Consolidated Provisions in Force
• Rules of Court and Related Enactment
• Bills
• BC Gazette Part I
• Corporate Registry Notices
• BC Gazette Part II
• Act/Ministry Responsibilities

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2 BC Government Documents

• Finding BC Government Documents
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• Important Government Documents
• The Budget Estimates and Public Accounts
• Annual Reports and Service Plans
• Sessional Papers
• Reference Answers Galore

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2.1 Finding Government Documents

• Searching for Government Publications Using
  Library Resources
• Legislative Library Online Catalogue w/ Fulltext
• Canadian Research Index/Microlog
• Card Catalogue and Print Resources
• Government publications Checklist
• Searching for Government Publications Using Other
  Resources
• Government Website
• Other Libraries
• Finding Government Publications Quiz

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2.2 Legislative Library Catalogue

• Main starting point for all BC government
  publications searches.
• Includes downloaded full-text of a large number
  of BC Government publications from 2001.
• Includes original URLs, even if they are no
  longer working.
• The Library will have every document in the
  catalogue, often many copies.
• Access the catalogue from our website
• The Library does not collect pamphlets and other
  ephemera or technical publications.
• Government Documents vs. Government Records

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2.3 Legislative Library Catalogue

•  
• Note the following
• Multiple URLs, including original source and
  archival link.
• Availability of the publication in print.
• Related titles shows the relationship of the
  publication to other years. Important in a
  regular publication like annual reports.

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2.4 Canadian Research Index

• 250,000 records, includes abstracts so that you
  can decide if they are useful before coming to
  see the fiche.
• Microlog is the microfiche service providing the
  full text of the publications described in the
  Canadian Research Index.
• Includes federal, provincial, and municipal
  publications. About half the items are
  non-depository publications issued by hundreds of
  Canadian government agencies and departments,
  scientific and technical report literature issued
  by research institutes and government
  laboratories policy, social, economic, and
  political reports
• Coverage is from 1982 or sometimes earlier
  depending on type of document.

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2.5 Government Docs Electronic Archive

• Library currently archives about 75 of
  electronic government publications. Started in
  2001 around change in government. Older
  electronic publications are added as discovered.
• They are hosted on a library server with a
  permanent link so that it can accessed even if
  the government takes the document down or changes
  its location.
• The downloaded files are all in a text format. We
  are currently not archiving any other media
  format.
• Many of the electronic publications will also be
  available in print if that is more convenient.

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2.6 BC Government Publications Checklist

• List of recent BC Government publications
  produced monthly by the Legislative Library.
• The list is sorted alphabetically by Ministry or
  Agency.
• Available online from 2001. Great tool for
  current awareness. Will soon be available through
  an RSS feed.
• Available in print in the Library from 1970.

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2.7 Card Catalogue and Print Resources

• Card Catalogue of BC Government Publications
• Contains records of publications prior to
  electronic catalogue. Organized by Title and
  Subject. About 30 of the Card catalogue has been
  added to the online catalogue.
• Royal Commissions and Commissions of Inquiry
  Checklists, 1872-present
• Sorted by year with a subject index at the back
  of each volume. Entries included bibliographic
  information, dates and information on the
  appointment of the committee and a brief
  description.
• Copies of most of the Commissions are available
  in the Library.
• Publications of the Government of British
  Columbia, 1871-1947
• Print listing with indexing of early BC
  Government publications.
• British Columbia Bibliography 1849-1899
  Includes government publications

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2.8 Searching the Government Website

• Government Website Search Engine
  (http//datafind.gov.bc.ca/advanced.htm)
• Includes limits to ministries, file formats and
  last updated. Very good for recent announcements,
  current government information and non-published
  government information (speeches, videos and
  other materials.)
• Queens Printer Government Publications
  (http//www.publications.gov.bc.ca/)
• Database of BC Government Publications available
  for free or purchase. Not exhaustive.
• The Statutes and Regulations may also be useful.
  (http//www.bclaws.ca/)
• Google Domain Searching (http//www.google.ca/adva
  nced_search?hlen )
• Use the domain limit on Googles advanced search
  screen to search any site using Google indexing.
  This will give you advanced search features on
  any specific website or domain you like.

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2.9 Searching Other Libraries

• Vancouver Public Library UBC
• Along with the Library, they have the largest
  collection of government publications. Their
  catalogues are good sources to look for
  government publications.
• Library and Archives Canada (http//www.collection
  scanada.gc.ca/index-e.html )
• Includes textual records and publications for
  federal, provincial, territorial and foreign
  governments. (more)
• Links to Other Libraries (http//www.llbc.leg.bc.c
  a/weblinks/library.htmleglib)
• Links to other libraries maintained by the
  Legislative Library. Useful for searching for
  Government publications from other jurisdictions.
  Let us know if a link is broken and we will
  update it.

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2.10 Finding Government Publications Quiz

• Published in 1950
• Legislative Library Web Catalogue
• Vancouver Public Library and UBC
• Legislative Library Card Catalogue
• If prior to 1947, you may also check
• Publications of the Government of British
  Columbia, 1871-1947.
• If related to a Royal Commission or Inquiry
• Royal Commissions and Commissions of Inquiry
  Checklists, 1872-present.

• Published in 1999
• Legislative Library Web Catalogue
• Vancouver Public Library and UBC
• Canadian Research Index
• Google Search (Domain Limits)
• Queens Printer
• Government Publications Checklist
• If after 2001 you may also have success
• Searching the government website

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2.11 Ordering BC Government Documents

• No official depository program
•  
• Ordering is a nice review of where to find BC Gov
  Docs.
• Downloading and printing.
• Queens Printer
• Crown Publications http//www.crownpub.bc.ca/
• Monthly Checklist
• Legislative Library Catalogue

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2.12 Important Government Documents

• Estimates http//www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/
• Public Accounts http//www.fin.gov.bc.ca/ocg/pa/06
  _07/pa06_07.htm 
• Annual Reports (Mines Example) How many people
  were killed in mining accidents in 1926?
• Sessional Papers (until 1952) Bound unofficially
  at UBC until 1976. Sessional Papers common at
  medium to large libraries.
• Elections British Columbia Website
  (http//www.elections.bc.ca/)
• Labour Relations Board of BC http//www.lrb.bc.ca/
   Collective Agreements and Decisions
• Minstry of Forests - Treebook http//www.for.gov.b
  c.ca/hfd/library/documents/treebook/

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2.12 Important Government Documentscont.

• BC Stats (http//www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/) Stats
  Tip Who has interest in what I am looking for?
  ICBC and Traffic Statistics
• BC Government Directory - Independent Officers.
• Touring the Ministries publications section is an
  excellent to get familiar with the range of
  materials.
• Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation
• Housing and Social Development/BC Housing

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3 Local Government

• Northern Health Authority http//www.northernhealt
  h.ca/
• City of Prince George http//www.city.pg.bc.ca/
  note bylaws and responsibilities.
• Regional District of Fraser Fort George
  http//www.rdffg.bc.ca/
• University of Northern British Columbia
  http//www.unbc.ca/
• School District 57 http//www.sd57.bc.ca/index.php
  ?id501
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• Relationship to Provincial Government (Financial
  Statements)
• Enabling Legislation and Regulations (S.B.C. 2002
  c2 Health Authorities Act)
• Finding Documents (Local Collections, Websites
  etc.)
• Union of BC Municipalities http//www.civicnet.bc.
  ca/siteengine/activepage.asp

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4 Government Resources for Company Research

• Strategis Databases
• Canadian Company Capabilities
• Database of Federally Incorporated Companies
• Canadian Importers Database
• Corporate Registry (QP Legaleze, BC Online)
• SEDAR and SEDI
• Miscellaneous

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4.1 Strategis Databases

• Canadian Company Capabilities
• Federally Incorporated Businesses
• Canadian Importers Database
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4.2 Canadian Company Capabilities

• Voluntary and updated by companies
• Entries vary in length and quality
• 60,000 Canadian businesses
• http//www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ccc-rec.nsf/eng/home
  
•  

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4.3 Federally Incorporated Businesses

• Database of federally incorporated companies
• Updated by Corporations Canada based on info
  supplied by company, so may be outdated
• Record may include
• Old company names
• Date of incorporation/dissolution
• Contact address and director name
• Subsidiaries and amalgamations
•  http//corporations.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cd-dgc.nsf/
  eng/home

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4.4 Canadian Importers Database

•  
• Lists of companies importing into Canada
• Company data supplied by Canada Customs in 2005
• Search by product, by city and origin
• Only shows major importers, so minor players and
  individuals not covered
• http//www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cid-dic.nsf/eng/home

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4.5 Strategis Cont.

• Trade Data Online http//www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/tdo
  -dcd.nsf/eng/home
• Trademark Database http//www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-ci
  po/trdmrks/srch/tmSrch.do?langeng
• Insolvency Name Search
• Find a person or organizations bankruptcy
  records
• 8 fee per 10 records
• Canadian Patent Database
• Patent applications since 1978 and open
  applications not yet granted
• http//patents.ic.gc.ca/cipo/cpd/en/introduction.h
  tml
•  

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4.6 Corporate Registry

• All businesses operating in B.C. must file
  documents with the registry
• Registry documents may include
• Company annual reports
• Applications for incorporation, continuation,
  amalgamation
• Notification of dissolution, change of address,
  change of directors

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4.7 Search Corporate Registry

• Through B.C. Online
• Covers 2003 - Present
• Need an account
• Pay fees per document
• Through QP Legaleze Corporate Registry Notices
• Covers activities 2003- Present
• Includes notices of incorporation, amalgamations,
  continuations into the province
• No documents, only notice of applications,
  changes
• http//www.qplegaleze.ca/default.htm

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4.8 SEDAR

• Public companies file legally required documents
  through SEDAR
• Dates back to 1997
• Useful for corporate history
• Look here for
• News releases
• Financial statements
• Specific documentation (highly technical)
• www.sedar.com

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4.9 SEDI

• SEDI database for company insiders to file
  required documentation about their trading
  activities
• Insiders a companys senior officials
• Look here for
• Info about insiders direct or indirect
  ownership/control of that companys securities
• www.sedi.ca

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4.10a Miscellaneous  

• CANLII
• Not-for-profit created by the Federation of Law
  Societies of Canada
• Fast way to search court and tribunal rulings
  across Canada
• Updated frequently from freely available online
  sources
• Not complete source of all rulings
• Coverage depends on province and court
• http//www.canlii.org

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4.10b B.C. Manufacturers Directory

• Maintained by BC Stats
• Information provided voluntarily
• Updated yearly
• 4,800 entries
• http//www.made-in-bc.ca/

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4.10c Following BC Politics

• Major Columnists (Vaughn Palmer, Michael Smyth,
  Les Leyne)
• Public Eye Online http//www.publiceyeonline.com/
  
• Voice of BC http//vancouver.shawtv.com/voiceofbc_
  mainpage.htm
• Constituency Reports http//vancouver.shawtv.com/c
  onreport_mainpage.htm
• Question Period Podcast http//www.leg.bc.ca/podca
  sts.htm
• Political Party Websites