The Government of Nova Scotia has introduced an amendment to take back pensions from members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) convicted of a serious indictable offence.
“It’s not right for MLAs to commit a crime while serving the public then use a loophole in the system to protect their pension,” says Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. “Today, we’ve closed that loophole.”
Amendments to the Members’ Retiring Allowances Act were introduced on Monday.
Currently, sitting members who are charged with a crime can resign or retire before the conclusion of their trial and protect their pension, even if convicted.
With the amendment, 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 that the collections of debts owed to the province by members are paid.