Legislation to Cancel MLA Remuneration Commission Introduced

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY--Legislation to Cancel MLA Remuneration Commission Introduced

Amendments to the House of Assembly Act introduced today, Oct. 12, will cancel this year's commission of inquiry into remuneration for members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) and order a salary increase for members on par with Nova Scotia's civil service.

"Last year's commission of inquiry determined that MLAs should receive a 39 per cent salary increase, which was not consistent with the expectations of Nova Scotia taxpayers. That's why we set aside the commission's decision through this year's Financial Measures Act," said deputy premier Ron Russell. "If passed, this new legislation will ensure that next year, a salary change for MLAs is in line with the average percentage increase for all government employees."

Mr. Russell added that based on the percentage increase for the 2003-04 fiscal year, the increase will be 3.8 per cent. Nova Scotia MLAs will continue to be the second-lowest paid among Canadian provincial legislators.

"This legislation adopts a fair approach to setting our salaries," said New Democratic Party house leader Kevin Deveaux.

The House of Assembly Act currently requires an annual commission of inquiry -- appointed by the Speaker -- into salaries of MLAs, allowances and indemnities.

"Setting fair salaries for elected officials is never easy, but this legislation strikes the right balance," said Liberal party house leader Manning MacDonald.