Pay Structure Approved for Crown Attorneys

Cabinet has approved a new performance-based salary package for Nova Scotia's Crown attorneys.

Dr. Jim Smith, Minister responsible for the Public Prosecution Service, outlined the package at a meeting today, May 29, with the Nova Scotia Crown Attorneys Association.

The salary increase has been in the works for several months. It gives senior Crown attorneys a performance-based increase of up to $5,700 a year. This is on top of the three per cent wage rollback recently restored for all civil servants.

The package was recommended after an extensive review of salaries for similar work across the country.

Senior government staff from the Human Resources Department and the Public Prosecution Service will further examine the collective bargaining issue. Monthly meetings will be held with the Crown attorneys' association to discuss progress and operational issues.

The Department of Human Resources has been reviewing salaries for provincial attorneys for several months -- a process that has also involved representatives of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission and Legal Services Division of the Department of Justice. The package was approved by cabinet this week.

"Crown attorneys have been very much aware, and very much a part of, the salary review process for some time now," said Dr. Smith. "I believe the association has a responsibility to review the package before withdrawing services."

Working conditions for Crown attorneys have seen steady improvements in the four years since the Ghiz-Archibald report was presented. More lawyers have been hired and each one has a computer. Additional staffing has been provided, training needs are being addressed, and facilities have been consolidated.

During today's meeting, the minister reminded the association that a withdrawal of services would constitute an unacceptable absence from work, contrary to the terms and conditions of their employment. He also reminded them of the ethical obligations of a professionally engaged lawyer to the client, and cautioned them regarding their obligations under the Code of Legal Ethics and Professional Conduct of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.

"I sincerely believe we have made some major progress, and I trust there will be no withdrawal of service by Crown attorneys," said Dr. Smith. "However, I have been assured by the interim head of the Public Prosecution Service that every necessary step will be taken to ensure that disruption to the criminal justice system is minimal."