• MLAs now paid 15.4 percent more than in 2006
• Transition Allowances up 30 percent

Sask MLA NR and Charts

REGINA: MLA pay has increased by 15.4 percent in just two years, from a taxable equivalent of $73,173 to $84,409 today, says the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). Wage hikes mandated by an all-party committee in 2006 led to the drastic increases. The basic MLA indemnity rose to $82,110 following the last election, to be indexed for inflation each April 1. A 2.8 percent increase gives cabinet ministers an annual wage of $127,384. Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz will make $133,523, and Premier Wall, $145,799.

Even though the Cumberland seat is vacant, total wages now reach $5.85 million. The average salary is currently $102,783, since fully 37 of the 57 sitting MLAs receive bonuses for additional duties. Roles include premier, opposition leader, house leader or deputy house leader, speaker, deputy speaker, cabinet minister, committee chair or deputy chair, whip or deputy whip. These amounts would be even higher had the government not declined to pay the $12,560 to which the seven legislative secretaries would otherwise be entitled.

"Most constituents could only dream of this much money," said Lee Harding, Saskatchewan Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. "In January, the average weekly earnings of Saskatchewan people was $731.72, which translates to an annual wage of $38,049. The average MLA earns more than two-and-a-half times that amount, insulating them from the financial realities of the constituents they represent.

"Incredibly, finance Minister Rod Gantefoer recently said that he has never heard members of the public express concern about the level of MLA salaries," said Harding. "To be sure, some of our supporters would welcome lower wages for MLAs, and would be happy to let the minister know it. These sizeable raises have already fuelled similar demands from public sector unions, and the total cost to taxpayers could be substantial."

MLAs receive many additional benefits for their public service, including health and dental benefits. Members contribute nine percent of their salary to a pension, and the government matches the amount. They are eligible for this pension at the age of 50. As well, all MLAs receive a "transition allowance" when they leave office equivalent to one month's pay for every year served. An outgoing 12-year MLA would have received $64,817 in 2006, but would now get $84,409-a 30.2 percent increase.

At the time of the MLA indemnity review in 2006, MLAs were paid $64,817, plus a $5,426 tax-free allowance, to total $70,243. The CTF recommended that the tax-free portion become fully taxable, thereby lowering the real dollar value by $2,930. The CTF further proposed that future increases be tied to an external amount, such as Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings.