N.W.T. MLAs pass bill to freeze their own salaries for 2 years

The N.W.T.'s 18th legislative assembly unanimously passed its first bill Tuesday: a largely symbolicact to freeze the salaries of all MLAs for two years starting in April.

The act, which is expected to save $30,000 during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, takes effect April 1, assuming itgets the customary assent from Commissioner George Tuccaro.

• N.W.T. MLAs, ministers propose 2-year freeze to their salaries

Cory Vanthuyne, MLA for Yellowknife North, said MLAs started talking about a freeze soon after last November's territorial election.

"This is not a measure that's going to make a bunch of big savings for us, but it's an opportunity for us to show we're committed to leadership by example in trying fiscal times," he said.

Northwest Territories MLAsearn an annual salary of$103,851. The Speaker, premier,cabinet ministers and committee chairs earn more and there areallowances for expenses, as well as for accommodations for members whose residence is not within 80 kilometresof Yellowknife.

The freeze comes on the heels ofdeputy ministers and other senior government staff having their salariesiced for two years.

Kieron Testart, MLA for Kam Lake, says the government got its timing all wrong.

"I only wish that this had come first, quite frankly," he said Tuesday of the MLA salary freeze.

"I think it would have been a much bolder [move], considering the very limited amount of cost savings that this will provide."

The belt tightening for the government has only begun, however.

In a news release issued Tuesday, the Department of Finance reiterated that "addressing the projected gap between expenditures and revenues will require approximately $150 million in combined revenue and expenditure measures over the next five years."