39 Per Cent Salary Increase for MLAs Cancelled

This year's provincial budget will cancel the proposed 39 per cent salary increase for MLAs and Cabinet ministers, Premier John Hamm announced today, April 15.

"When all Nova Scotians are being asked to make difficult choices to protect and improve health care, education and a balanced budget, it is unreasonable for MLAs to receive the kind of salary increase recommended by the independent commissioner," said Premier Hamm.

In December 2003, independent commissioner and former speaker Art Donahoe recommended that starting after the next provincial general election, MLAs should be paid as a percentage of the salary for Members of Parliament. As a result, MLA salaries would increase by 39 per cent should a provincial general election be held before the preparation of another independent commissioner's report.

According to the House of Assembly Act, the Speaker of the Legislature is required to appoint an independent commissioner on MLA remuneration every year. In his report, Mr. Donahoe said that his recommendation could also be altered through legislation.

The premier said the action on future MLA salaries will be included in this year's Financial Measures Act.

"If adopted by the legislature, this measure will guarantee MLA salaries don't increase in a manner that's out of line with the interests of Nova Scotia taxpayers," added the premier. "We must always recognize that any salary increases for MLAs should be in line with those provided to other public sector employees, like doctors, nurses, teachers, paramedics and government employees."

Nova Scotia continues to have the second-lowest paid MLAs among the 13 provinces and territories.