Arbitration Decision Released for Crown Attorneys

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION--Arbitration Decision Released for Crown Attorneys

The government of Nova Scotia today received the unanimous decision of a three-member arbitration board that has established a new salary plan for Nova Scotia Crown attorneys.

Attorney General Michael Baker said the plan honours the government requirement to address a long-standing issue.

"The issue of salary discrepancies among Crown attorneys had to be addressed, with a view to setting up a new, fair and independent process," he said. "This new plan and the process that developed it achieved that objective."

Crown attorneys will earn between $42,800 and $88,280, with a small segment of the group eligible to earn up to $97,880, effective April 1, 2001. Salary increases will be calculated on an individual basis. They will be based upon performance and years of relevant experience. For example, a Crown attorney with five years' experience can earn between $60,300 and $63,625. There is also an across-the-board increase of $2,000 in the pay plan on April 1, 2002.

Mr. Baker said he is pleased that the salary-setting process has been completed.

"With the salary-setting mechanism established, a new director in place, and a number of critical workplace issues now addressed, the Public Prosecution Service can concentrate its full energies on providing excellent service to the public."

There are about 70 Crown attorneys in Nova Scotia.