82 pink pigs on Legislature lawn
Author:
John Carpay
2001/08/16
EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today challenged Premier Ralph Klein to show leadership on the issue of large severance packages for Alberta's 83 MLAs. At a morning press conference on the Alberta Legislature lawn, the CTF placed 82 pink pigs to represent the 82 MLAs who have thus far not objected to a 10% pay increase and severance pay equivalent to three months' salary for every year in office.
New Democrat MLA Brian Mason was the only MLA on the all-party Members' Services Committee to vote against the large severance package. However, Mr. Mason voted in favour of the 10% pay increase, called an "RRSP allowance" of $6,750 per year. This additional allowance is not required to be put into a pension or RRSP fund.
CTF Alberta director John Carpay released a letter, delivered to Premier Klein's office yesterday, requesting a meeting with the Premier to discuss MLA compensation.
"Premier Klein took a prominent leadership role in abolishing the lucrative MLA pension plan just before the 1993 election. He did not delegate that task to an all-party committee, to deal with quietly on a hot summer day," stated Carpay.
"Premier Klein knows that the Legislature has ultimate authority over this matter, and can reverse or reject the decision of this committee. On behalf of Alberta taxpayers, I call upon Premier Klein to once again show leadership on the issue of MLA compensation, as he did so commendably in 1993."
If the Alberta government leaves the committee decision in place, Premier Klein would receive $530,000 severance pay if he retired in 2005. Some other cabinet ministers, as well as Speaker Ken Kowalski, would receive as much as $475,000 in severance pay. Liberal Leader Ken Nicol stands to gain $356,000, and ND Leader Raj Pannu $137,000.
"The CTF is not against severance pay or pensions for MLAs, but there is an inherent conflict of interest when politicians can vote themselves extra money in the same term as when they are serving. Any increases to MLA compensation should not take effect until after the next election."