Like many Albertans I was shocked by the Government’s decision to effectively raise the income of MLAs by over 30% last week. This is on top of the cost of living increase MLAs get each year (this year was about 5%). Most of the increase is due to now paying MLAs who sit on committees at least $1000/month. This is paid whether the Committee meets or not.

My Liberal colleagues and I object to the process of increasing our own income and particularly the size of the increases. Salary changes should be recommended by an independent public committee.

We also object to Government’s failure to provide basic cost of living increases to the most vulnerable in our society – those on AISH and Supports For Independence. This is more than embarrassing. It’s a shame and a failure of moral leadership in my view.

This also sets a terrible precedent for other sectors of society including groups that are negotiating salaries such as teachers and doctors. We acknowledge there is extra work and responsibility for sitting on committees but we don’t feel we’re in a position to decide how much extra that work is worth. That’s why our pay levels should be decided by an independent committee.

We examined the possibility of not taking the extra pay but were told there is no legal means for us to turn it back. Some of our members and I are donating a good portion of the increase to non-profit and charitable groups. Even if we could legally refuse to take the raise, it would create a situation where our MLAs are paid less than Conservative and New Democrats for doing the same work. This is not progressive leadership and Albertans should let their MLA and the Premier know their feelings.

There have been a number of news articles on this topic.
Edmonton Sun: editorial by Andrew Hanon (June 2, 2008)

CBC – May 30, 2008