LAW BRANCH 



Responsibilities of Law Branch 



1. Advising the branches and field offices upon the legal position of the Depart- 

 ment in all matters affecting it. 



2. Consulting and working with federal officials on matters concerning fisheries, 

 federal canal systems, harbours and lands, Indian reservations and rights of 

 Indians, particularly regarding hunting and fishing. 



3. Establishing and reviewing Department policy in various fields, whether 

 such policies are to take the form of legislation, regulations or administrative 

 policy. Integrating such policies into those of the Government. 



4. Interpretation of Statutes and regulations. 



5. Maintenance of records of Crown land including, 



(a) advising the public and others on such records 



(b) compilation of statistics and incidental correspondence 



(c) cancellation of Crown land sales 



(d) domesday books 



(e) forfeitures 



(f) leases 



(g) licences 



(h) preparation and engrossing of documents disposing of Crown land 

 including, 

 (i) leases 

 (ii) letters patent 

 (iii) licences of occupation 

 6. Preparation and processing of 



(a) agreements 



(b) briefs, opinions and memoranda on special subjects 



(c) leases 



(d) legislation 



(e) licences 



(f) office consolidations of statutes and regulations 



(g) pleadings 



(h) recommendations to Council 



(i) regulations under the various statutes administered by the Department. 

 7. Services — miscellaneous 



(a) collection of bad accounts (i.e. accidents involving Department vehicles, 



unpaid accounts, land tax arrears, etc.) 



(b) conducting litigation 



(c) conveyancing 



(d) representing the Department as Counsel in Provincial Land Tax Appeals 



(e) settlement of claims and disputes including grievances of Department 



employees 



(f) title searching. 



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