Which section concerns the Ministers' salaries?

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Chairman, you would refer to 24(1). Section A is with regard to the Government Leader, section A1 refers to Ministers, A2 to the Speaker, and 1B refers to the Deputy Speaker, et cetera. Thank you.

Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Chairman, it refers to 23(1), but it doesn't say anything about 24(1). It skips 24(1) and then goes to 25(1).

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Chairman, a couple of years ago, the Ministers took a reduction in their basic ministerial pay. At the same time, when legislation was changed with regards to COLA, the Ministers' portion of this particular act was not subject to the 1.8 per cent increase. It is in there at a flat rate. It does not automatically change and that's why it is not affected, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Mr. Gargan.

What is the flat rate then? Nothing?

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Chairman, could I seek clarification? The flat rate with regard to ministerial salaries?

Mr. Gargan, would you clarify what you mean by flat rate?

When the Minister refers to flat rate, are we looking at zero per cent?

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Chairman, the Ministers receive pay for being MLAs and they receive pay for being Ministers. Under the present act, the pay for all MLAs, including Ministers, is covered at the rate of 1.8 per cent increase. The monies that Ministers receive for being Ministers is not covered under that increase. It does not automatically increase each year. There is a zero increase per legislation with Ministers' salaries. If Ministers' salaries were going to be raised, then the legislation would have to be changed and brought to this House, Mr. Chairman. It does not go up automatically. Thank you.

Is that clear, Mr. Gargan?

Yes. So, by accepting this, we are in fact freezing everything and we're not going to get the 1.8 per cent increase, right?

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Chairman, that's correct. It covers the basic indemnity, the chairpersons, committee indemnities and constituency. All of these would receive no increases in this particular fiscal year, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pollard. Mr. Gargan.

But that does not include the Executive, the Ministers?

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Chairman, it is not included in the piece of legislation we have before us because it was not going to go up anyway. The Ministers' salaries remain the same as well. There are no increases in Ministers' salaries. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The 1.8 per cent did not apply to Ministers' salaries anyway. Mr. Gargan.