Government of Alberta News Release

FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, March 3, 1998

Commission established to review judges' compensation

EDMONTON--The framework for an independent process to review Provincial Court judges' compensation was announced today by Justice Minister Jon Havelock. A Judicial Compensation Commission will publicly examine this issue and report its recommendations to the Minister.

'The agreement reached with the cooperation of Alberta Provincial Court judges is a major step in resolving the matter of judges' compensation," stated Havelock. "We will establish a Judicial Compensation Commission that will enhance the independence of Provincial Court judges and the courts."

The three-member commission will include representatives selected by the government, the judges and a mutually agreed upon chairperson. The government has selected Louis D. Hyndman, Q.C., of Field Atkinson Perraton Barristers & Solicitors, as its representative. The judges have chosen Roderick A. McLennan, Q.C., of McLennan Ross Barristers & Solicitors, to represent them. A chairperson will be announced soon.

The commission will report to Havelock by June 19, 1998. Its recommendations will then be considered by Cabinet for implementation by September 18, 1998. This is the deadline set by the Supreme Court of Canada for establishing an independent body to determine judges' compensation. Approved recommendations will be effective from April 1, 1998 to March 31, 2000.

The commission's terms of reference are included on the back of this release.

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For further information contact:

Peter Tadman - Justice Communications - Phone: (403) 427-8530

Minister of Justice and Attorney General - Phone: (403) 427-2339

Judicial Compensation Commission Terms of Reference

Mission:

To independently review Provincial Court judge's compensation and make recommendations to the Minister of Justice by June 19, 1998.

Objectives:

The commission will examine:

the appropriate level of compensation for full-time, part-time and supernumerary judges
the appropriate design and level of judges' pension benefits
the appropriate level and kind of benefits and allowances of judges
any other issues relevant to the financial security of the court and judiciary

Commission Membership:

Louis D. Hyndman, Q.C. (Field Atkinson Perraton Barristers & Solicitors)
Roderick A. McLennan, Q.C. (McLennan Ross Barristers & Solicitors)
Chairperson to be named soon

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