JUDGES PAY RECOMMENDATIONS APPROVED

The government has accepted the recommendations of the Provincial Court Commission for changes to the salary and benefits for judges of the provincial court.

"In its submission, and at the public hearing, the province made strong representation to the commission to consider the salary levels of professional men and women of Saskatchewan, and the overall economic condition of the province in arriving at its recommendations," Justice Minister John Nilson said. "We believe that the compensation level recommended by the commission is a fair response to our request."

The commission recommended that judges salaries be set at $158,000 effective April 1st, 2003, with annual adjustments for April 2004 and April 2005 equal to the Saskatchewan Consumer Price Index. The commission also recommended changes to the supplemental pension allowances of judges who retire on or after April 1st, 2003.

The commission was established under The Provincial Court Act to do an independent review of judicial remuneration and benefits for the period April 1st, 2003, to March 31st, 2006.

As part of its review, the commission received submissions from interested parties and held public hearings in October and November.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: 787-6043 Email: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca