Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling out Ontario politicians for voting to give themselves a $40,800 pay hike and a new taxpayer-funded pension, even as the province’s debt continues to soar and families struggle with rising costs.

“While families are tightening their belts and the province sinks deeper into debt, Ontario politicians are stuffing their own pockets,” said Nicolas Gagnon, communications director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “They’re voting themselves a raise and a taxpayer-funded pension, and they expect Ontarians to just smile and pay for it.”

The new legislation will hike MPP base salaries from $116,550 to $157,450 and introduces a new pension plan. These changes will cost taxpayers at least $6 million in the first year, plus millions more in annual pension costs.

All of this comes as Ontario’s debt is projected to hit $461 billion — a staggering total that keeps growing and will reach half-a-trillion dollars by 2027. Meanwhile, Ontario taxpayers are set to pay up to 16 billion dollars this year only to cover the debt interest charges.

“Ontario’s debt is skyrocketing, and instead of focusing on fiscal responsibility, politicians are rewarding themselves,” said Gagnon. “This sends the wrong message to taxpayers who are already under pressure from inflation, taxes, and high living costs.”

Premier Doug Ford’s salary will jump by $73,000, while NDP Leader Marit Stiles gets a $63,000 boost. MPPs will also become the highest-paid provincial politicians in Canada.

“Every MPP who supported this bill just told taxpayers that they come first,” said Gagnon. “If politicians want to attract talent, they should lead by example and start by fixing the province’s finances instead of lining their own pockets.”

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Ford government to cancel the raise, scrap the pension plan, and start respecting taxpayers.

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