GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS INDEPENDENT COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS

The Government of Saskatchewan has accepted the recommendations of the 2008 Provincial Court Commission respecting salary increases and benefits for Provincial Court Judges.

The Provincial Court Commission is an independent body established under The Provincial Court Act 1998 to complete an independent review of judicial remuneration and benefits. The Commission is established every three years to make these recommendations based on submissions from interested parties and the general public.

The Supreme Court of Canada has established on constitutional grounds that compensation and benefits for the judiciary must be determined by an independent commission. The province's ability to reject the Commission's recommendations is strictly limited.

The 2008 Commission, chaired by Mr. Peter Zakreski, held public hearings on October 27, 2008, in Saskatoon and October 30, 2008, in Regina. As a result of the submissions and these hearings, the Commission recommended an 8 per cent increase in base salary for the year April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010, and 4 per cent in each of the following two years. The current base salary of a Provincial Court Judge is $204,552.

Other recommendations were also made to change the way in which additional salary is calculated for the Chief Judge and Associate Chief Judges, as well as Administrative and Temporary Judges. Minor changes were made to the calculation and payments of some pensions, and to the waiting period for disability benefits.

"We believe that these recommendations are fair and reasonable and bring us into alignment with other jurisdictions," said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Don Morgan. "Our judges are diligent, dedicated and accomplished, and this government is committed to making sure that we retain and recruit professionals of this high calibre."

To view a copy of the Provincial Court Commission Report go to: www.provincialcourtcommission.sk.ca

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For more information, contact:
Laur'Lei Silzer
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: laurlei.silzer@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-0074