The quadrennial Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission has begun its inquiry into the adequacy of the salaries and benefits paid to federally-appointed judges and to prothonotaries of the Federal Court. The Commission welcomes comments from the public. A Notice setting out filing deadlines and directions for parties wishing to send in submissions can be found on the Commission's Website at www.quadcom.gc.ca.
Quick facts
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The inquiry is held every four years, pursuant to s. 26 of the Judges Act.
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The first Quadrennial Commission was established in September 1999, with subsequent Commissions in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2016. This is the sixth Commission.
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The Commission consists of three members appointed by the Governor in Council. One member is nominated by the judiciary, and in the case of this Commission that member is Peter Griffin. T he second member is nominated by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. In this instance, that member is Margaret Bloodworth. These two members together nominated Martine Turcotte to act as the Chair of the Commission.
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In conducting its inquiry, the Commission examines the various submissions it receives keeping in mind the following factors:
- the prevailing economic conditions in Canada, including the cost of living, and the overall economic and current financial position of the federal government;
- the role of financial security of the judiciary in ensuring judicial independence;
- the need to attract outstanding candidates to the judiciary; and
- any other objective criteria that the Commission considers relevant.
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Under the provisions of the Judges Act the Commission must submit a report containing its recommendations to the Minister of Justice, who shall respond to the report within four months of receiving it.
