• Taxpayers Federation makes recommendations to Manitoba Commission for MLA Pay, Allowances & Retirement Benefits
  
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WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today presented seven recommendations to Mr. Michael D. Werier, Commissioner for MLA Pay, Allowances and Retirement Benefits.

Mr. Werier is mandated to make recommendations to the appropriate salary, allowances and retirement benefits for all MLAs. "Manitoba's Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) currently have a reasonably simple and competitive compensation regime," stated Provincial Director Adrienne Batra. "Manitoba's MLAs do not receive a tax-free allowance and the CTF is recommending the current salary base MLA salary of $74,982, which puts them in the top 5% of income earners, only be adjusted to the annual weekly earnings of Manitobans."

The CTF's seven recommendations are as follows:

• The Commissioner should base all of its analysis and recommendations concerning MLA remuneration so as to retain the following principles: simplicity, transparency, accountability and fairness.
• In September of each year, Manitoba's Legislature should publish and post, with receipts, MLA, cabinet minister, leader of the opposition and third party leader remuneration for the year including all indemnities.
• MLA allowances should not be increased.
• No greater than a dollar-for-dollar matching RRSP pension plan be provided to MLAs.
• Terminate the MLA transition allowance.
• MLA compensation should be adjusted according the annual change in Average Weekly Earnings of Manitobans.
• An independent commissioner should be appointed after every third election to address MLA remuneration.

Manitobans desire and deserve competent and talented women and men for elected and un-elected public service. However, there is not any evidence to support the argument that better pay and compensation will attract more qualified individuals to public life. "There are intangible motives and attributes that come with being an MLA such as influence, power, single-interest devotion, and even ego attract good people to public life. Indeed, the opportunities that come with the privilege of representing one's own constituents through election as an MLA are unique," added Batra. "The CTF sincerely hopes the Commissioner will heed the recommendations presented to him and recognize fair compensation for MLAs must be based on what is fair for the taxpayers of Manitoba," she concluded.