Nova Scotia freezes judges’ salaries, says it can’t afford hefty hike

HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government has denied provincial and family court judges a hefty pay hike, instead freezing their salaries at $236,376 for two years.

A provincial tribunal had recommended a salary increase of about 9.5 per cent over three years — including a 5.4 per cent hike in the first year.

But the province rejected that — freezing judges’ salaries for two years before a one-per-cent hike in 2019-20.

The Finance Department said Thursday that it is giving the judges the same wage increase being given to Crown attorneys, and proposed for public-sector workers.

It said that is also the funding increase for doctors.

The province also signalled its intention to freeze the accrual of judges’ public service award effective April 1.

In an interview, Finance Minister Randy Delorey said he was taken aback by the salary recommendation given that the province is struggling to balance its books.

“It was quite a high compensation considering the position the province has been in,” he said.

He defended the government’s salary increase as “fair” and one the government can handle fiscally.

“It is in line with the province’s ability to pay,” said Delorey. “We will still maintain the independence of our judiciary and we believe we will still be able to attract qualified members to serve when vacancies come up.”

In the last three years, judges’ salaries were hiked 3.8 per cent, 1.7 per cent and 0.4 per cent

The Nova Scotia Provincial Court Judges’ Association said it had not been formally notified of the province’s decision, saying only: “The association will not be making public comment at this time.”

The tribunal is composed of three lawyers appointed under the Provincial Court Act.