Jamie Baillie in favour of pay cut for Nova Scotia politicians

The leader of Nova Scotia's Official Opposition says he's ready to take a pay cut after New Brunswick's premier announced Monday that he and his cabinet ministers will reduce their salaries.

Jamie Baillie told CBC News that if Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil cuts his salary and that of his cabinet ministers, he's ready to do the same.

"I think it's important in these tough times of restraint that Nova Scotians know we're all in this together, so I agree with what's being done in places like Alberta and New Brunswick," said Baillie.

"I think when the premier is talking about everyone else having to show restraint that it's important that they see that at the top as well."

On Monday, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant announced he'd be cutting the ministerial portion of the salary he receives by 15 per cent. That amounts to nearly $12,000 a year. The cut does not reduce his base pay.

Gallant's cabinet ministers are also seeing their salary top-ups being cut, by slightly less at 10 per cent. The move will cost each minister $5,200 a year. The cut only applies to the additional money earned for being a cabinet minister, as opposed to being applied to the entire salary.

Applied to Nova Scotia, the 15 per cent cut for Stephen McNeil would cost him close to $17,000. His cabinet ministers would have to make do with about $5,000 less per year.

Baillie would face a similar $5,000 cut since his bonus for being the leader of the Official Opposition nets him a similar top-up.

If Nova Scotia followed New Brunswick's example and instituted a pay cut for the premier and cabinet ministers, it would save taxpayers in this province a total of $85,665.10.

In Alberta, all provincial politicians are taking a five per cent cut.

McNeil was unavailable for comment on Monday.