The leader of the NDP believes changes are needed with regards to how MHA salaries are determined, and when they are applied.

The Members’ Compensation Review Committee yesterday released a report recommending a $22,000 increase in MHA base salaries.

That report will now go before the House of Assembly Management Commission. If it passes that stage, the decision on whether to increase politicians’ salaries could go to the House of Assembly for a vote, if the provincial government chooses to take it that far.

NDP leader Jim Dinn says while the review is “overdue,” he does not agree with MHAs voting on their own salaries, believing that it creates a conflict of interest.

Instead, Dinn says there should be a “transparent mechanism” to determine how much MHAs should make, and it should come into effect after each provincial election. Dinn states that any possible changes would affect the next wave of elected officials, and only affect those currently sitting if they get re-elected.

Meanwhile, the Liberals say their members will be reviewing the contents of the report in preparation for a possible debate in the House of Assembly.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly has outlined the legislative process regarding compensation for MHAs.

Paul Lane says he will remain neutral on the subject, as is required with his position, but he could end up voting on the matter through his role with the House of Assembly Management Commission.

He says he chairs those meetings, mostly acting as as a facilitator. That said, Lane could get to vote in the event of a tie.

In a statement to VOCM News, the provincial government says it respects the independent review process and will be taking time to review the report in full, and what comes from the House of Assembly Management Committee.

They say it would be “premature” to comment further at this time until that process is finished.