Guaranteed $100 Daily Juror Pay

Summary#

• This bill changes Nova Scotia’s Juries Act to set a minimum daily pay for jurors.

• It says jurors must be paid at least $100 per day, and that the Legislature must set aside money to cover this cost.

• Key changes:

  • Sets a floor: juror pay cannot be set below $100 per day.
  • Keeps government authority to set the exact amount, but not below the new minimum.
  • Requires the Legislature to budget money to fund the higher juror pay.
  • Takes effect once passed and funded through the provincial budget.

What it means for you#

• Jurors and people called for jury duty

  • You would get at least $100 for each day you serve in court, once funding is approved.
  • This pay is meant to help with lost income and expenses while you serve.
  • If you rely on hourly or gig work, the higher daily pay may reduce financial strain, though it may not fully replace your wages.

• Employers

  • No direct new duties in this bill, but your employees who serve will receive at least $100 per day from the province.
  • Some workplaces may find it easier to support employees on jury duty if the juror pay helps offset lost wages.

• Taxpayers and residents

  • The province would spend more to pay jurors.
  • Supporters say better juror pay can lead to more people being able to serve, which can make juries more representative.

• Courts and justice system

  • Courts may see fewer hardship requests from jurors who cannot afford to serve.
  • Administration will need to manage the higher per‑day payments.

Expenses#

Estimated annual cost: No publicly available information.

• The change would increase provincial spending because jurors must be paid at least $100 per day.
• The bill requires the Legislature to approve and budget the funds needed.
• Final costs depend on how many jury days occur each year and how the government sets any additional rules.

Proponents' View#

• Raises juror pay to a fairer level so people are not punished financially for doing their civic duty.
• Helps lower‑income and hourly workers serve, which can make juries more diverse and fair.
• Clear floor ($100/day) gives certainty to jurors and reduces hardship.
• The funding clause ensures the change is planned for in the provincial budget, not left unfunded.

Opponents' View#

• Increases costs for the province, which could pressure the justice budget or crowd out other priorities.
• A flat $100 per day may still be too low for many workers, so financial hardship could continue.
• Because funding must be approved by the Legislature, the higher pay might not be guaranteed every year or could be delayed.
• Without broader changes (like travel or childcare support), the pay increase alone may not fully remove barriers to serving.