Premier cuts pay by 5.4%, cabinet by 3.2%

Special Standing Committee on Members' Services must follow suit and cut MLA, speaker and opposition leader pay

EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is clarifying mis-leading reports on the size of the premier and cabinet pay cuts.

Contrary to some reports, the premier’s total pay cut is not 15 per cent, but rather 5.4 per cent when you factor in total salary including the tax-free portion. Similarly, the cabinet pay cut is not 10 per cent, but 3.2 per cent.

“While it’s tough to applaud a premier and cabinet that gave themselves a 30 per cent pay hike last year for giving back a mere fraction of it, it certainly is a start,” said CTF-Alberta director Scott Hennig.

“We would like to see the Premier, his cabinet, and all MLAs reverse their entire pay hike from last summer,” continued Hennig. “While the total dollar amount isn’t going to make or break the budget, it would send a more genuine signal than the announcement made earlier today.”

The CTF is also calling on the all-party Special Standing Committee on Members' Services to immediately convene a meeting and vote to reduce the pay for all MLAs, the speaker and opposition leaders. As of right now, both the speaker and the leader of the official opposition are earning more than cabinet ministers.

“Every backbench MLA got a very significant pay hike last year, as did the speaker and opposition leaders, thanks to a 9-2 vote by the all-party Special Standing Committee on Members' Services,” continued Hennig. “The committee must hold an immediate meeting and, at the very least, give back 5.4 per cent as the premier has done.”

“Ultimately, every government employee - including all MLAs - must get on board with pay reductions to help balance the budget. Last night’s speech and today’s announcement are baby steps in the right direction,” concluded Hennig.

Comparison of premier and cabinet pay

Hansard of the changes made by the Members’ Services committee on May 21, 2008 can be found on-line here: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/ISYS/LADDAR_files/docs/committees/ms/legislature_27/session_1/20080521_1200_01_ms.pd

The May 28, 2008 Order in Council approving increases to cabinet ministers and the premier’s pay can be found here: http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/orders/orders_in_council/2008/508/2008_240.html