Amid all the pushback over pay raises for federal MPs comes a report that says MHAs in this province are long overdue for raises themselves.
The report, entitled How We Value Democracy, was prepared by the Members’ Compensation Review Committee and delivered to the Speaker’s Office on Thursday.
It recommends a $25,000 raise for all MHAs as of April 1st, which would bring the current base salary from $95,000 to $120,000.
The report says that would cost the treasury almost $1 million, adding the province can afford it given its “strong economic and stable fiscal position.”
The recent 2024 budget pegged the province’s debt at almost $18 billion, with an anticipated deficit of more than $400 million.
The report notes, however, that MHA salaries have been frozen since 2009, calling that “unfair at best” and a “detriment to our democracy by potentially discouraging diversity and excellence in the provincial legislature.”
It also says the pay should be adjusted every year to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Raises are also recommended for other positions such as the Speaker of the House and Leader of the Opposition.
As for public input received, the report states no one felt MHAs were overpaid and “all asserted a raise is necessary.”
That’s in stark contrast to the national scene, with an estimated 80 per cent of Canadians opposed to scheduled increases for MPs on April 1st, which would see their base salaries rise from $195,000 to just over $203,000 a year.
Senior House of Commons officials such as the Speaker, House leaders, cabinet ministers and the prime minister will be entitled to an additional $96,000, plus car allowances.