MLAs Block Pay Raise In N.S. Legislature

An emergency summer sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature came to an end last night, as Bill 185 was passed.

It rescinds a recommended 12.6 per cent pay raise for MLA’s, and was supported by all parties.

Premier Tim Houston will also take an $11,000 pay-cut.

The Progressive Conservatives called the session, as Houston said it wasn’t the right time to accept the raise due to inflation.

Liberal leader Zach Churchill says there are real emergencies in Nova Scotia that need attention.

“The cost of living crisis is impacting every single family in Nova Scotia. The impact that inflation is having on the spending power of each of our households is impacting the economy,” said Churchill during debate of the bill.

NDP leader Claudia Chender says the government needs to do its job to address the day-to-day lives of Nova Scotians.

“I think their job is to make a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians for the issues that matter most to them, and that is the healthcare crisis and the cost of living crisis,” said Chender.

Premier Tim Houston told reporters before the session, that ‘they’ve done the right thing by Nova Scotians by being here.’

The recommendation of the pay raise came from an independent review panel.