Are You Considering Running For An MLA Position?
Following is information on, firstly, running as an Independent Candidate in NS, and secondly, details on what a career as an MLA looks like.
MLA Career
What's Involved In Becoming An MLAIndependent Candidate
Candidates should seek council and request vetting by a voluntary committee of their peers, in their home riding. In the best interests of their constituents, and in true democratic style, they will be educated on why they need to be accountable, transparent, accessible and responsible to their constituents.
The Independent Candidate’s Responsibilities
He or she must build a ‘campaign team’, appoint a Financial Agent, and seek a campaign manager, the latter of which must then assemble a team of committee chairpersons for the following positions:
- Fund Raising
- Advertising
- Media Relations
- Social Media
- Appointing a Citizens Journalist
- Signs
- Arranging Town Hall Meetings, Community Events and Barbecues
- Door Knocking
All campaign involvement is voluntary. Click here for details.
The Independent Candidate’s To-Do List
The candidate ought to be focused on meeting constituents, and be prepared to be involved in the following activities:
- filing paperwork
- door knocking
- visiting shopping malls to talk with people
- meeting media
- attending campaign meetings, and meetings of local societies and service clubs
- fundraising
- conducting polls to find out what the public position is on various issues of both local and Provincial interest.
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Role Of An MLA
Members of the Legislative Assembly have three key roles and responsibilities:
1. parliamentary
2. representative
3. and caucus.
Whether in the Chamber debating proposed legislation or spending, working on parliamentary committees, or meeting with constituents, the work of a Member is far-reaching, and performed in many places.
Representative
Members meet regularly with constituents, and attend community meetings and events.
Constituency offices assist Nova Scotians who have questions or concerns about provincial programs, policies, and benefits.
Members may also contact ministers or ministry officials about policies and programs affecting individual Nova Scotians.
There are also opportunities for Members to raise constituent perspectives and concerns during debates in the Legislative Assembly, and by making statements or presenting petitions, and by asking government to act on issues affecting the residents of their electoral district or the province.
Salary And Benefits
MLA Base Salary: $88,980
Additional Salary: 10% – 90% of Base Salary. Click / tap here to view Additional Salary Chart.
i.e. MLA Minister: $64,441. Click / tap here to view CPDF MLA Compensation April 22 – Mar 23
Capital City Living Allowance
All Members whose home base is outside the Capital Regional District (CRD), are expected to have accommodation in the Victoria area, so they may attend sessions of the Legislature, participate in the work of assigned parliamentary committees, and undertake other MLA duties, as required. The Capital City Living Allowance provides funds for a Member living outside the CRD to have a second temporary accommodation while serving as an MLA.
There are several options available to Members for the Capital City Living Allowance, depending upon whether they decide to rent accommodation, to purchase a second residence, or to stay in commercial hotel accommodation for those days they must be in Victoria.
Option 1: Rental
A Member may seek reimbursement to a maximum of $24,374 per fiscal year. Rent / Utilities / Basic Telephone cable & Internet Service / Furniture Rental to $ 175 / month / Apartment Content Insurance and Parking.
Option 2: Ownership
A Member whose principal residence is outside the CRD, and who owns a second residence within the CRD to fulfill his or her duties as a Member, may seek reimbursement to a maximum of $24,374 per fiscal year effective April 1, 2023 for:
• Furniture rental (maximum of $175 per month, or $2,100 per fiscal year);
• Insurance;
• Parking;
• Utilities;
• Property taxes;
• Strata fees, if any; and,
• Basic telephone, cable and internet service
Option 3: Hotel
Members who choose this option will be reimbursed to a maximum of $21,452 per fiscal year, effective April 1, 2023, for hotel expenses, including parking and internet services, upon presentation of receipts. The costs to Members of staying in a hotel in the CRD for the purposes of attending a parliamentary committee meeting are not counted against the maximum.
Per Diem Reimbursement
An MLA may claim up to $61 per day, either when in Victoria or when travelling throughout the province, on work-related trips. The per diem reimbursement is intended to cover the cost of meals and incidental expenses, while a Member is away from their home or constituency.
Deductions for Absence from the House
Members must maintain a record of their attendance at House sittings, and prepare a declaration outlining the reason for any absences. If absent, $300/day.
Full descriptions of the above available here.
Click / tap each link below for details on the following:
Extended Health and Dental Benefits