The Interprovincial Subpoena Act

The Interprovincial Subpoena Act provides for the interprovincial enforcement of subpoenas in non-criminal matters where the subpoena is issued by a court, board, commission, tribunal or other body or person that has the authority to issue a subpoena.

A subpoena is an order compelling a person to come to a specified place for examination as a witness. Witness fees and travelling expenses are provided with the subpoena. Failure to attend can result in arrest.

An application is made to the Court of Queen's Bench for a certificate allowing a subpoena to be served in another province or territory. If a court outside Saskatchewan issues a similar certificate, a court in Saskatchewan can adopt a subpoena from another province or territory to be served on a resident of Saskatchewan.

A certificate will be issued if the Court is satisfied that the person's attendance is essential for the administration of justice and necessary for a fair decision in the matter in which he or she will be testifying.