ST. JOHN’S, NL: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Premier Tony Wakeham to make it clear that his government will reject any move to hike politicians’ salaries before the house of assembly reopens on March 2.

“Wakeham needs to show leadership while families are struggling with the cost of living and reject politician pay raises,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director and General Counsel. “The last thing taxpayers need is politicians voting themselves a pay hike.”

The members' compensation review committee approved a report recommending that base MHA salaries increase from $95,357 to $120,000 annually in 2024. The median income in Newfoundland and Labrador is $32,713.

If the pay hike is implemented, MHAs would become the highest-paid provincial politicians in Atlantic Canada.

Deputy Premier Barry Petten previously agreed with the proposed MHA salary hike while in opposition.

Former premier John Hogan publicly opposed the increase, but did not move to formally block or defeat the recommendation before the election was called.

The potential pay raise would cost taxpayers nearly $1 million annually. Meanwhile, the government is borrowing $4.1 billion and wasting nearly $1.2 billion on debt interest charges this year.

“Taxpayers can’t afford for politicians to hike their own salaries while the government is already borrowing billions of dollars and increasing the debt,” said Drover. “Wakeham needs to show respect for taxpayers and reject this politician pay raise once and for all.”