No Increase for Elected Officials

Premier John Hamm indicated today his government's opposition to any increase in pay and benefits for members of the Legislative Assembly and cabinet ministers.

In a letter sent to commissioner Graham Walker, who is mandated by law to review the financial package afforded to provincially elected officials, Premier Hamm said the current state of the province's finances should preclude any increase to salaries, allowances and indemnities.

"As you know, the province of Nova Scotia is facing a formidable challenge -- a massive $10-billion debt and a nearly $500-million deficit for the current fiscal year. All Nova Scotians are part of the solution to getting our fiscal house in order," wrote Premier Hamm. "It is the position of this government that no increases in indemnities, allowances and salaries be considered at this time."