Those who are selected for jury duty in Saskatchewan will be receiving a little more compensation, starting September 1st. Jurors will now also have the chance to receive compensation for childcare and eldercare.

The increase will see the amount jurors receive per day go to $110 for civil and criminal trials. This is an increase from $15 per day for civil trials and $80 per day for criminal trials.

The announcement was made Thursday morning by the provincial government. While there are some increases, the $15 which was paid to prospective jurors attending civil jury selection is being removed.

The changes, which are part of amendments to the Jury Amendment Act, also introduce childcare and dependent care expenses. Those who are eligible can be reimbursed up to $40 a day for childcare, and $80 a day for elder or other dependent care. 

“The right to be tried by an impartial and independent jury is fundamental to our system of justice,” Martel D. Popescul, Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan said in a written statement. “That fundamental right depends on citizens being available for jury service.  The steps taken today will help to ensure jury duty is an opportunity and a privilege that all citizens are able to exercise.”

The changes were announced Thursday morning.