The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on all provincial party leaders to make their positions known on the proposed MHA pay hike before the provincial election is called.

“With an election around the corner, voters deserve to know where each party leader stands on the MHA pay hike,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are struggling with the cost of living and they shouldn’t have to guess whether the next government plans to reward politicians with a raise out of the pockets of taxpayers.”

Last year, the all-party House of Assembly Management Commission approved a report recommending that base MHA salaries increase from $95,357 to $120,000 annually. If implemented, it would make MHAs the highest-paid provincial politicians in Atlantic Canada.

Then-premier Andrew Furey publicly opposed the increase, but with a new premier in office and an election on the horizon, the proposal remains unresolved.

On Monday morning, outgoing cabinet minister Gerry Byrne said there is “no appetite” for pay increases for politicians. However, Premier John Hogan, PC Leader Tony Wakeham and NDP Leader Jim Dinn all still need to make it clear where they stand on the proposed hike.

“Vague comments won’t cut it,” said Drover. “Voters deserve a clear commitment from Hogan, Wakeham and Dinn: Will you block this pay hike, or will you cash in if you win?”

The CTF is calling on all political parties to publicly reject the proposed MHA salary increase and commit to keeping politicians’ pay in check.