N.S. news: Premier open to looking at politicians’ pay [Video]

HALIFAX –

After moving to block a recommended pay raise in 2022, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston now appears open to increased salaries for members of the legislature.

A freeze has been in place on provincial politicians’ pay, office budgets and living expenses since 2015 and Houston told reporters Tuesday that the situation has been “a topic of discussion.”

“Obviously there has to be some form of adjustment,” said Houston. “There will be a process to determine what’s fair and reasonable and we will see what unfolds.”

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Progressive Conservative member Danielle Barkhouse, the legislature’s Speaker, was re-elected Tuesday and has 60 days from the Nov. 26 provincial election to decide whether to strike an independent committee to examine member’s remuneration.

Base salaries have remained at $89,234.90 since the freeze put in place by former Liberal premier Stephen McNeil, although there are significant top ups for the premier, opposition …