LAW BRANCH 



Objectives 



1. To provide legal counsel and services for the Department. 



2. To maintain services of the Patents Office. 



The duties and responsibilities of Law Branch may be summarized 

 as follows :- 



Policy : Establishing and reviewing Department policy with 



respect to legislation, regulations or administration; and 

 integrating Department policies into those of the Government. 



Interpretation of statites and regulations. 



Advice to branches and field offices on the legal position of 

 the Department in all matters affecting it. 



Preparation and Processing of agreements; briefs, opinions and 

 memoranda on special subjects; leases; legislation; licences; 

 office consolidations of statutes and regulations; pleadings; 

 recommendations to Council; and regulations under the various 

 statutes administered by the Department. 



Services (miscellaneous) : collection of bad accounts; conducting 

 litigation; conveyancing; representing the Department as 

 Counsel in Provincial Land Tax Appeals; settlements of claims 

 and disputes; and title searching. 



Liaison with federal officials on matters concerning fisheries; 

 federal canal systems, harbours and lands; and Indian 

 reserves and rights of Indians, particularly regarding 

 hunting and fishing. 



Pat ent s Of f i c e s : maintenance of records of Crown land; advising 

 the public on records; compilation of statistics; cancellation 

 of Crown land sales; domesday books; forfeitures; leases; 

 licences; and preparation and engrossing of documents dispos- 

 ing of Crown land including leases, letters patent and 

 licences of occupation. 



