Halifax, NS: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s move to cut his own salary after also moving to freeze pay for MLAs.

“Houston is showing real leadership,” said CTF Interim Atlantic Director Jay Goldberg. “By taking a pay cut, Houston is demonstrating that he is in touch with the realities facing Nova Scotians. As inflation eats away at taxpayers’ purchasing power, Houston is signalling that he understands the difficult financial situation confronting Nova Scotians.”

Legislation passed by the Legislative Assembly reduced the premier’s salary top-up by $11,246, bringing the total top-up down to $101,545. The base salary for MLAs has also been frozen at $89,234, with MLAs voting to reject a proposed pay hike.

“Politicians across the country should follow Houston’s lead,” said Goldberg. “As Canadians face historic cost-of-living challenges, politicians need to show that we’re all in this together.”