The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding B.C.’s Legislative Assembly for introducing legislation to forgo a 2.6 per cent pay raise.

“We expect every single MLA to vote against giving themselves a pay raise this year,” said Carson Binda, CTF B.C. Director. “While families and businesses are struggling, politicians shouldn’t be dipping into your pockets to line theirs.”

As a result of the legislation introduced today, MLAs may not receive a pay raise this year. Their salaries would remain $119,500.  

The decision to forgo pay raises would save taxpayers about $289,000 this year.

While MLA base pay might not go up this year, Premier David Eby dramatically increased the number of cabinet appointments in this government. Because of those appointments, every single NDP MLA is receiving a taxpayer-funded top up on their salaries.

“It’s good that some NDP MLAs might not be getting two massive pay raises this year,” Binda said. “One pay raise was bad enough and two would have added insult to injury.”

Eby decision to dramatically expand the number of cabinet appointments will cost taxpayers $2 million over the next four years when compared to previous cabinets.