CTF Recommendations
VANCOUVER: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today submitted its recommendations on MLA compensation to an appointed three-member independent commission. "The CTF stands behind the work of the 1996 Citizens' Panel on MLA Remuneration. The bulk of their recommendations are in place now and as a result, the compensation package for elected members is fair, transparent and competitive," stated Sara MacIntyre, BC director for the CTF.
The government appointed the three-member Independent Commission on MLA Compensation at the end of January to review base pay, allowances, constituency budgets and pension benefits. The Commission will report its recommendations at the end of April and shortly thereafter, MLAs will vote on them.
"MLAs work long hours, spend most of their time away from their families and receive little or no recognition for their efforts. Members should be compensated for their work and earn retirement savings while in office. But, being elected to office should neither be profitable nor charitable; it should be fair for the member and the taxpayer. The existing compensation package strikes a good balance and the CTF recommends it remain in place."
MLAs currently enjoy a base salary of $76,100 plus a generous RRSP contribution that can net $55,000 in retirement savings in just four years, travel allowances and numerous other benefits, such as paid MSP premiums.
"If, the legislature accepts any changes to the current compensation package, the CTF recommends those changes not be enacted until after the next election. This would provide an opportunity for the legislators to defend and justify any increases to those who will be paying for it, the taxpayers," said MacIntyre.
"British Columbia became a leader in transparency and accountability when the sensible reforms recommended by the 1996 Citizens' Panel on MLA Remuneration were implemented. Gold-plated pension schemes that cost taxpayers five dollars for every dollar a member contributed were eliminated, as were the myriad of taxable and non-taxable allowances and perks such as unlimited passenger and car ferry travel. A simple, easy to understand package with an annual indexed, fully taxable base pay together with a straight forward group-style RRSP was put in place by the Harcourt government. The CTF continues to supports these reforms and will aggressively oppose any attempt to reinstate gold-plated pensions that made two-term MLAs millionaires," concluded MacIntyre.
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