MLA salaries to remain frozen until 2020

Members of Manitoba's Legislature won't receive another pay hike until 2020, independent salaries commissioner Michael Werier has decided.

Basic salaries for the province'sMLAs will remain at $94,513 in 2018 and 2019, Weriersaid Wednesday in a statement. Salaries for the premier, cabinet ministers, the speaker, leader of the opposition and other special positions will also remain flat for the next two calendar years, Werier said.

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"Salary levels remain at an appropriate level when comparing salary levels with other provinces. The state of the Manitoba economy and the deficit are significant factors in assessing what increases, if any, should be made," Werier said.

A cost-of-living increase, based on a five-year rolling average of inflation, will be applied onApril 1, 2020, Weriersaid in a subsequent telephone interview. It is not yet possible to determine what that hike will be, he said.

Werier also recommended MLAsincrease their personal contributions to the Legislative Assembly Pension Plan to nine per cent from two per cent. He also recommended those plans be made public.

The only hike available to MLAsis additional funds for improving the accessibility of their constituency offices. MLAscan apply for up to $5,000 to improve accessibility once during the current government term, Werier said.

MLAswho want to access this money must submit an application that includes a plan for the work in question, Werier said.