The government has declined a proposal for a salary increase for federal judges, rejecting the recommendation of an independent body for a raise between $28,000 and $36,000. In its response released on Monday, the government stated its disagreement with the findings of the Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission, citing the current financial situation and the inability to justify the raises at present.
The decision, made just before the upcoming budget presentation by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, highlights the existing yearly salary of federal judges, which stands at over $396,700. The Department of Justice responded to the 7th Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission report issued on July 11, emphasizing challenges such as U.S. tariffs and the obligation to fulfill Canada’s NATO defense spending commitment.
While the government argued that judicial salaries are sufficient and subject to yearly increases based on the Industrial Aggregate Index, the commission recommended additional salary boosts for federal judges and chief justices. The commission’s suggestions, although not binding, play a crucial role in determining the salaries of judges on superior courts, the Federal Court, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
The government disagreed with the commission’s assertion that current judicial salaries pose difficulties in attracting qualified candidates from the private sector to the judicial bench. It pointed out a steady growth in judicial salaries exceeding the cost of living increases and anticipated this trend to continue in the coming years. The decision lies with the judges on whether to challenge the government’s response, with past instances showing a similar scenario in the mid-2000s when raises were refused by the Harper government.
