SASKATOON, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Saskatchewan government to end the transition allowance for former provincial politicians which will cost taxpayers almost $3 million this year.

The CTF released its calculations of estimated transition allowance payouts for politicians who lost their seats or retired in the election.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t be padding the wallets of MLAs headed for the door,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “Ordinary Saskatchewanians don’t get a golden parachute when they leave their jobs and we shouldn’t be forced to fund one for politicians.”

In the recent election, 31 MLAs lost their seats or did not seek re-election. They are eligible for a transition allowance ranging from $36,525 to $109,576. In total, former MLAs are eligible to receive $2.68 million in severance with an average payout of $44,010.

The payout is based on the number of years the MLA has been in office. An MLA can receive one month’s pay for each year they were in office, up to a maximum of 12.

MLAs are paid $109,576 per year. The average Saskatchewanian earns about $63,320.

“Former politicians can’t keep soaking taxpayers when they aren’t even in office anymore,” Haubrich said. “Premier Scott Moe needs to cancel this taxpayer-funded-handout before the next election.”

The transition allowance calculations can be found HERE.