Government Proposing Independent Salary Setting for MLAs

Government introduced legislation today, July 10, that will mandate an independent review of salaries paid to members the legislature and other elected positions after each election.

Amendments to the House of Assembly Act will require the Speaker of the House of Assembly to appoint a three-member committee to review salaries paid to MLAs, the Speaker, the deputy Speaker, opposition party leaders, and cabinet ministers.

"All parties support this new method for determining the compensation for members of the House of Assembly," said Finance Minister Michael Baker, government House leader. "This ensures that salaries for MLAs are set independently, and compensation levels ideally will remain current."

The appointed committee, which will have powers under the Public Inquiries Act, has 90 days from the date of the last election to conduct research and make a report to the Speaker. The committee's recommendations are binding on the legislature.

The new legislation will include the work of a committee recently appointed to study MLA salaries, which currently has a review under way. Their recommendations must be received within 90 days of the June 13 election.

The legislation states that any changes in pay will come into effect on the first day of the month following the election date. Also, each year, the pay of elected officials will be increased by the rate of inflation.

Mr. Baker said all parties have given their support to the new system. It replaces a process that provided for annual reviews of MLA salaries.