Manitoba is introducing legislation to increase compensation for those serving as jurors.

Justice Minister Cameron Friesen says Bill 46 would also modernize the reasons for an exemption from jury duty.

“Our government continues to modernize Manitoba’s courts, to take advantage of technologies, provide better services and decrease wait times for access. This includes addressing fees that have not been updated in years,” says Friesen in a release announcing the lgelislation.

“Current juror fees have become a barrier, and these changes will increase fairness for jurors and acknowledge their investment of time.”

Jurors in Manitoba currently get $30 per day beginning on the 11th day of a trial.

The statement does not provide the increased rate, but it says jurors would be paid starting on the first day of their service. 

“These updates would align Manitoba with other provinces who have already changed their court fees to better reflect the cost of service and benefit to Manitobans,” says Friesen.

New payment options are also proposed in the changes, allowing people to use credit or electronic transfers.

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With files from The Canadian Press