Terms of Reference

1. Purpose:

To advise the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations on the administration of mobile homes pursuant to the Residential Tenancies Act.

2. Membership:

2.1 Composition
The committee shall be comprised of up to 8 members plus a chairperson.

2.2 Chairperson
The chairperson shall be the person holding the position of Director of Residential Tenancies as designated under Section 18A of the Residential Tenancies Act.

2.3 Members-At-Large
The remaining 8 positions may be appointed by the Minister, and shall be filled by an equal number of persons who, in the Minister’s opinion, are representative of the views of landlords and of tenants of mobile home parks. The Minister shall appoint members from among those individuals who apply for membership. If an insufficient number of candidates apply for positions, the Minister may fill remaining vacancies at his discretion.

2.4 Terms of Appointment
Members-at-large shall be appointed for terms no longer than three years, but for any shorter amount as determined by the Minister.

2.5 Early Termination of Appointment
The Minister may, at his discretion, revoke the appointment of any member-at-large.

3. Functions:

3.1 Committee members shall:
a) familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act;
b) keep all discussions confidential to members of the committee and the Minister; and
c) work collaboratively to identify solutions to existing or potential problems with mobile home park tenancies.

3.2 The Committee as a whole shall:
a) meet at the call of the Chairperson of the committee, but not less than once each year;
b) prepare minutes that include descriptions of topics discussed and any conclusions or policy recommendations; and
c) report meeting minutes to the Minister.

4. Mode of Operation:

4.1 Remuneration & Expenses
Members-at-large may be reimbursed for any necessary travel to attend meetings at the rate of reimbursement available to civil servants. Members-at-large shall not receive remuneration for their participation in committee activities.

4.2 Quorum
Quorum is achieved when at least 2 members representing landlord interests and 2 members representing tenant interests are present at a meeting called by the chairperson.