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Salary cuts for politicians part of budget talks: Stephen McNeil

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil looks on at a press conference following the 2013 Council of the Federation fall meeting in Toronto, Nov. 15, 2013. Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press

HALIFAX – Pay cuts for provincial politicians are on the table during Nova Scotia’s budget deliberations, said Premier Stephen McNeil.

McNeil said the government is looking at all options regarding compensation for politicians as it prepares its spring budget.

But McNeil said civil servants will not have their wages reduced.

He said the government is in contract negotiations with several bargaining units and is not looking at any salary rollbacks.

On Monday, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant said he and members of his cabinet will have their ministerial salaries reduced by 15 and 10 per cent respectively until the province’s books are balanced.

A 2014 provincial report recommended that the base pay and additional top-ups for Nova Scotia MLAs remain unchanged, excepting the yearly increase to allow for inflation. That increase is tied to the increases that public servants also receive. In 2013 the premier’s total salary would have been $202,025, said the report. The salary for ministers and the leader of the opposition totaled $138,280.

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-With files from Marieke Walsh

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