Newfoundland and Labrador rejects $32K judges’ pay hike amid fiscal crisis

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – The Newfoundland and Labrador legislature has voted down a $32,000 pay hike for judges as the province faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis.

An independent tribunal recommended a 14 per cent salary increase for provincial court judges over four years ending this fiscal year.

But the governing Liberals tabled a resolution — supported by opposition parties — stating the raise is too rich as the province faces an almost $2-billion deficit despite tax hikes.

Justice Minister Andrew Parsons says the fiscal situation is much worse since the previous Tory government appointed and reported to the tribunal.

The raise would have brought judges’ pay up to almost $248,000 a year from the current level of just under $216,000.

Provinces that reject recommendations from tribunals — appointed to safeguard judicial independence — have repeatedly wound up in court.