The Premier says he has no interest in raising the wages of MHAs or cabinet ministers, and that he did not get into politics for the money.

John Hogan, speaking yesterday after announcing plans for a new Virginia Park Community Centre in the east end, said his government killed the transitional allowance for departing cabinet ministers shortly after he found out about it through media reports.

A review committee recommended a $25,000 increase in the salary of MHAs to roughly $125,000 per year, but Premier Hogan says he voted against it.

Hogan says he didn’t get into politics for his own financial benefit, but rather to improve affordability for people.

“I got into this job for days like today when we talk about building new community centres. Those centres are very important not only for kids but for mothers who’ve gone back to school or found a new job or career to provide for her family. That wouldn’t be possible without a community centre,” said the Premier.