The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is criticizing members of provincial parliament for taking another pay raise after last year’s massive pay hike.

“Taxpayers are outraged that MPPs are taking yet another pay raise after taking a super-sized pay raise last year,” said Noah Jarvis, CTF Ontario Director. “It’s especially loathsome that provincial politicians are sticking their hands out for more when the government is saddling taxpayers with an additional $25.8 billion in debt.”

MPPs will be taking a 3.8 per cent taxpayer-funded pay raise this year between $5,925-$10,623.

This would boost a backbench MPP’s salary to $163,275. 

However, most MPPs serve in cabinet or special parliamentary roles that boost their pay.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s salary will rise to $292,752. The salary of Ford’s 28 cabinet ministers will rise to $232,340, while his eight associate ministers will draw a salary of $194,624.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles will take a $9,196 raise this year as leader of the official opposition while interim Liberal Leader John Fraser will take an $8,040 raise. 

The speaker of the house, committee chairs and deputy chairs, house leaders, whip are all taking raises as well.

Today’s pay raise comes after MPPs took a massive 35 per cent pay hike last year. MPPs also voted to give themselves a gold-plated pension plan, similar to federal MPs.

MPPs tied their annual pay raises in coordination with pay raises federal MPs take every year.

Leger polling shows 86 per cent of decided Ontarians oppose MPPs taking another pay raise this year.

“Cutting taxes for small businesses is good and it will create jobs,” Jarvis said. “Ford needs to end corporate welfare and other wasteful spending so he can cut taxes further.

“MPPs are ignoring the people of Ontario and stuffing their pockets with more taxpayer cash,” Jarvis said. “Politicians need to remember that they’re elected to serve their constituents, not the other way around.”