News release

MLAs More Accountable to Nova Scotians

Finance (to Oct. 2013)

FINANCE--MLAs More Accountable to Nova Scotians

  • ---------------------------------------------------------------Members of the Legislative Assembly convicted of a serious indictable offence will no longer be able to protect their pension by resigning or retiring before their trial.

Amendments to the Members' Retiring Allowances Act were introduced today, May 6.

"It's not right for MLAs to commit a crime while serving the public then use a loop hole in the system to protect their pension," said Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. "Today, we've closed that loop hole."

Currently, a sitting member of the House of Assembly who is charged with a crime can resign or retire before the conclusion of their trial and protect their pension, even if convicted.

With the changes, anyone convicted of committing a crime while they were an elected member of the House of Assembly that carries a maximum sentence of more than five years will no longer be entitled to their pension.

Steps have also been taken to ensure the collections of debts owed to the province by members are paid.

"The province committed to make MLAs accountable for their actions and today we are keeping that commitment," said Mr. Corbett.