United Conservative members of the legislature have voted to increase Alberta MLA salaries for the first time since 2013.
Chief government whip Shane Gateson says the annual pay rise, which starts in April but is retroactive to the start of the year, is “appropriate”.
This is in line with the province’s average public service rate increase, which, if calculated today, would mean an increase of 2.5 per cent.
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The current annual base salary for legislators is approximately $121,000, with additional pay tied to additional responsibilities such as cabinet positions.
The decision is part of a package of funding allowances approved by UCP members, which will give their caucus an additional $1 million from taxpayers for items such as research and public communications.
Getson says the move is about leveling the playing field with the opposition NDP, whose 38 members outweigh the UCP’s 24 backbenchers.
She says the changes will help MLAs better serve their constituents, but Official Opposition NDP Leader Christina Gray says they are self-serving and out of touch with Albertans facing a cost-of-living crisis. Are outside.
– more to come…
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