Seeking input: Justices of the peace compensation

Albertans are invited to submit feedback to Alberta’s 2021 Justices of the Peace Compensation Commission on compensation levels for justices of the peace.

According to government officials, the Supreme Court of Canada ordered a constitutional obligation on provincial governments in 1997 to use an independent commission process to set the compensation for judicial officers, including justices of the peace. As a result, provincial officials say an independent Justices of the Peace Compensation Commission was established in 2021 under Alberta’s Judicature Act to review and recommend the appropriate level of compensation for Alberta justices of the peace for the period April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2025.

Officials note, the Justices of the Peace Compensation Commission reviews and recommends changes in compensation every four years. This includes salary rates and types and kinds of benefits and allowances. Justices of the peace handle a wide range of matters in hearing offices and traffic court.

The commission is holding a public hearing Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, at the Edmonton Law Courts building at 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square. The commission may permit oral submissions during the two-day hearing.