OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released a Leger poll that shows 78 per cent of Canadians support member of Parliament Mike Dawson’s decision to reject the upcoming pay raise. The poll also shows that 80 per cent of Canadians oppose the MP pay raise.

“The poll shows that the overwhelming majority of Canadians stand with Dawson and oppose the upcoming politician pay raise,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Here’s something Dawson needs to remember: He may be alone on this issue in the House of Commons for now, but regular taxpayers across Canada are standing with him.

“All MPs need to look at this poll, listen to their constituents and forcefully push the government to cancel the politician pay raise.”

MPs give themselves pay raises every year on April 1.  

Conservative MP Mike Dawson instructed the government to “make the necessary arrangements with the payroll and benefits administration” so he doesn’t receive the pay raise.

The Leger poll asked Canadians if they support or oppose Dawson refusing the pay raise. Results of the poll show:

• 78 per cent support Dawson’s decision
• 15 per cent oppose Dawson’s decision
• 7 per cent are unsure

Among those decided on the issue, 84 per cent of Canadians support Dawson’s decision to refuse the MP pay raise.

The Leger poll also asked Canadians if they support or oppose MPs taking a pay raise on April 1. Results of the poll show:

• 80 per cent oppose the pay raise
• 13 per cent support the pay raise
• 8 per cent are unsure

Among those decided on the issue, 86 per cent of Canadians oppose the MP pay raise.

“Prime Minister Mark Carney told Canadians to brace for ‘sacrifices,’ so the least politicians can do is stop stuffing their own wallets with more tax dollars,” Terrazzano said. “If politicians want to be true champions for taxpayers, they must forcefully push to stop the MP pay raise.”

A backbench MP’s salary is currently $209,800. A minister collects $309,700, while the prime minister takes a $419,600 annual salary. This year’s pay raise will range from $8,800 to $17,600, according to CTF estimates.

The federal government stopped the automatic MP pay raises from 2010 to 2013.