The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) urged the Saskatchewan Government today to copy a piece of legislation being considered in Ottawa; Bill 518, the Protecting Taxpayers and Revoking Pensions of Convicted Politicians Act. If passed, the legislation would strip federal politicians of their golden pensions if they are caught stealing or committing serious crimes while in office. (Photo Prairie Director Colin Craig at news conference)

“Plain and simple, if a politician is caught stealing or committing a serious crime while in office, he or she should lose the taxpayer-funded portion of their pension,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “Saskatchewan should look at being proactive on this file rather than waiting for a scandal to happen.”

Back in the 1990s, an expense scandal rocked Saskatchewan when a dozen MLAs were charged with expense account fraud. Less serious expense account problems have been in the news lately, however, that’s not the reason behind the CTF’s push.

"Plain and simple, the bill in Ottawa is just a good idea that every province should copy," added Craig. “Nova Scotia has already passed the same legislation.”

The CTF is also calling on the Saskatchewan government to look at how it could extend the bill to civil servants as well. Many taxpayers across Canada were furious to learn a few years ago that serial killer Russell Williams would still receive his $60,000 annual military pension despite the immense grief and suffering he had caused to so many victims and their families.