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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – A three-member Independent Commission of Review has been
established to conduct a fair and impartial review of compensation and pension
arrangements for Members of the Legislative Assembly.
The
commission has been given broad terms of reference to collect data, receive
public input and make recommendations to the Speaker of the House within 90
days. Results of the report will be voted on in the spring legislative session.
“Fewer
things are more difficult and controversial than determining compensation
levels for elected officials,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “This is why I
have called for a non-partisan, independent review of salary levels and pension
arrangements. Compensation levels need to reflect the important work that MLAs
conduct on behalf of British Columbians in their ridings and the Legislature,
but must also be at a level that is fair and balanced for taxpayers.”
The
current base pay for an MLA is $76,100 annually. Cabinet Ministers, the Leader
of the Official Opposition and the Speaker of the House receive an additional
allowance of $39,000 annually and the Premier receives an additional allowance
of $45,000 annually. Since the MLA pension program was cancelled in 1996, the
Legislative Assembly contributes nine per cent of the MLA’s base salary to an
RRSP. MLA compensation has not received any significant increases since the
recommendations of the 1997 Citizen’s Panel Report on MLA Compensation were
adopted.
“It will
be at the sole discretion of the Commission to determine how they collect
information and receive public input for their report,” said Campbell.
“Fairness to the taxpayer and the members should be guiding principles for the
commission and, in my view, it is appropriate that these issues be dealt with
in an open and transparent manner for both the members and the public.”
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218 |
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