Pension Review Panel Announced

NOTE: Biographies of the panel members can be viewed at http://gov.ns.ca/govt/pensionreview/Pension_Review_Panel_Biographies.pdf .

The Terms of Reference can be viewed at http://gov.ns.ca/govt/pensionreview/Appointment_and_Terms_of_Reference_28_Apr_2011.pdf .

Speaker of the House of Assembly Gordie Gosse announced today, May 5, the three-member panel to review the pensions of the Members of the Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker appointed retired Supreme Court Justice David Gruchy as the chair. Mr. Gruchy selected citizens John Morash and Ron Smith to complete the independent panel.

"I am very pleased to have the panel in place and to have the quality of representation that we have here," said Mr. Gosse. "The panel remains completely independent and I know the members will provide a thorough and timely review of the MLA pension plan."

Following initial review and information gathering, the panel will be accepting submissions from the public through e-mail and mail to the Chief Clerk of the House of Assembly. Requests for submissions will be advertised in local newspapers. Advance submissions will still be accepted by mail to the Chief Clerk's Office, Province House.

The panel has developed the terms of reference for the review. They will submit a final report to the Speaker within six months.