CALGARY, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on all Alberta politicians to accept MLA Drew Barnes’ request and take a 20 per cent pay cut.

“MLA Barnes deserves a lot of credit for asking his colleagues to share in the difficult times and accept a 20 per cent pay cut,” said Franco Terrazzano, the CTF’s Alberta Director. “Albertans are struggling, and this would show taxpayers that our elected officials are willing to share in the tough times and understand the difficulties that we are going through.”

Following new COVID-19 restrictions, Barnes published a letter calling on all Alberta politicians, including members of Parliament, and top government bureaucrats to take a 20 per cent pay cut. 

This would follow similar leadership from New Zealand’s politicians and bureaucrats.

“We acknowledge New Zealanders who are reliant on wage subsidies, taking pay cuts and losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic,” said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. “I can confirm that myself and government ministers and public service chief executives will take a 20 per cent pay cut for the next six months.”

At $121,000 annually, Alberta’s rank-and-file MLA salary is significantly more than their counterparts in other provinces. The Ontario-West average (excluding Alberta) for MLA pay is $105,120.

“Alberta’s politicians need to stand with struggling families and businesses, do the right thing and accept Barnes’ proposal for a 20 per cent pay cut,” said Terrazzano.