MHAs shouldn't get pay raise 'unless you're doing your job correctly', taxpayer federation says

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation isn't holding back in its opposition of a proposed pay raise for Newfoundland and Labrador MHAs.

"In any industry I've ever worked in, you don't get a pay raise unless you're doing your job correctly and you're doing your job right," Devin Drover, the federation's Atlantic director, told CBC Radio Thursday.

"A pay [raise] of this size would make them the highest paid in Atlantic Canada, when the average income is only about $48,000 here in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is irresponsible at a time when the province is running deficits after deficits, and taxes are some of the highest in the country."

Newfoundland and Labrador's MHAs have an annual salary of $95,327, and have had that salary since 2009.

A March reportreleased by the 2024 members' compensation review committee recommends the salary be increased to $120,000.

The more than200-page report, titled How We Value Democracy, also recommends MHAs' annual salaries be adjusted to reflect the province's consumer price index on Dec.31 of the previous calendar year.

Increasing salaries for all 40 MHAsto $120,000 would cost $985,720, according to the report money Drover said could be better used elsewhere.

"Thirteen of the last 15 budgets have not been balanced, which means more and more tax dollars are being used to pay for big interest charges on government debt rather than funding essential services," he said.

"The provincial government should be focused on getting their provincial budget under control, and using it to pay down existing debt."

Premier Andrew Furey also voiced opposition to the pay raise for the same reasoning in September, saying it wasn't appropriate given families in the province struggling with the cost of living.

Progressive Conservative MHA Barry Pettentold CBC he was in support of a raise, but did add that he wasn't convinced an increase of $25,000 was merited.

Drover and the federation have praised Fureyfor his opposition, with Drover adding the federation is against any kind of raise until government can get its debt under control and cut taxes.

The federation has launched a petition calling on the province to dismiss the proposal, which Drover said recieved 500 signatures in its opening days.

LISTEN | Hear Devin Drover's full conversation with The St. John's Morning Show Host Jen White:

St John's Morning Show7:37Should MHAs in this province get a $25,000 raise? The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says no

A report released by the 2024 members' compensation review committee recommends MHAs make an annual salary of $120,000, about a $25,000 increase from their current salaries. The Canadian Taxpayers' Federation is one group that's opposing the pay increase. We spoke with their Atlantic Director, Devin Drover.

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