Albert Legislature -- LNN

By Dori Modney

Alberta cuts MLA pay by five per cent, and 10 per cent for Premier Jason Kenney

Aug 6, 2019 | 5:02 PM

EDMONTON — Alberta politicians are taking a five per cent pay cut, and Premier Jason Kenney will now be taking home 10 per cent less.

The decision was made unanimously by an all-party committee that sets pay for elected members of the legislature.

The pay cut was a campaign pledge made by Kenney before his United Conservatives won a majority government in April.

The Opposition NDP members on the committee voted for the pay cut as the right thing to do.

But they say it’s a cynical move by Kenney designed to give his government some cover when they eventually try to legislate pay cuts to public sector workers.

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However, Kenney’s statement focussed on reducing government spending.

“Out-of-control spending by the previous government put Alberta on track for $100 billion in debt, jeopardizing the future of public services. We were elected with a mandate to be fiscally responsible, and that has to start at the top. Today’s decision is about leadership by example.

“Today’s pay cuts are on top of the five per cent reduction in compensation for MLAs, ministers and the Premier during the Prentice government in 2015. When combined with today’s pay cuts, MLAs will be paid $13,000 less compared to 2014, and the Premier $31,500 less.

The changes mean that Kenney now takes home about $186,000 a year, while cabinet members get $181,000 and rank-and-file legislature members get $121,000.

Kenney pointed out other reductions being made.

“The Members’ Services Committee also reduced MLA travel expenses, eliminating gas cards and harmonizing the standard mileage rate with that of other public servants.

“In addition to these changes, MLA compensation has been frozen since 2014. It is worth noting that there has been no Alberta MLA pension plan since its elimination in 1993, and severance payments have also been eliminated. I want to thank MLAs for accepting these pay cuts, clear evidence that they are motivated by a strong sense of public service.”