REPORT: N.L. MHAs paid more than double the average American state rep
ST. JOHN’S, N.L.: Canadian provincial politicians took substantially bigger salaries than American state representatives in 2025, according to a new report from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
“Newfoundland and Labrador MHAs are among the highest-paid politicians in North America and they’re not delivering better results,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “Giving bigger paycheques to politicians doesn’t lead to better outcomes for taxpayers.”
The median Canadian provincial politician made nearly three times the salary of the median American state representative at $113,637 and $45,002 respectively, according to the report.
Newfoundland and Labrador MHAs earn a base salary of $95,357, more than double the median American state representative. Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest combined top marginal tax rate of any province or state in Canada and the United States.
While MHAs are paid significantly more than most of their American peers, the province’s economy is not keeping pace. Newfoundland and Labrador ranks near the bottom of Canadian provinces for GDP per capita.
“Provincial politicians take double the pay of their average American counterparts while charging families the highest taxes in North America,” said Drover. “Bigger salaries aren’t motivating politicians to leave more money in the pockets of taxpayers.”
Despite this, the Wakeham government has commissioned a new review of MHA compensation.
A 2024 review by Heather Jacobs recommended raising base MHA salaries from $95,357 to $120,000, a $25,000-per-MHA increase that would cost taxpayers approximately $1 million annually. Jacobs has now been asked to prepare an updated review, with findings due before the fall sitting of the house of assembly.
“The last thing the MHAs should be doing is lining their pockets with more taxpayer cash,” said Drover. “Wakeham needs to show respect for taxpayers, scrap this review and reject a politician pay raise once and for all.”
To view the CTF’s full Subnational Politician Pay Report, click HERE.
