Southern Alberta MLA asks elected officials to take 20% pay cut

Barnes says “families, communities, and free enterprise are facing some of the most trying circumstances in Alberta’s history.”

Especially with Tuesday’s announcement of new COVID-19 restrictions, which include forcing some businesses to close, he believes it is imperative that government leaders keep their expenses down.

Franco Terrazzano, Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation, is commending Barnes’ initiative.

“MLA Barnes deserves a lot of credit for asking his colleagues to share in the difficult times and accept a 20 per cent pay cut. Albertans are struggling, and this would show taxpayers that our elected officials are willing to share in the tough times and understand the difficulties that we are going through.”

Earlier this fall, members of the provincial government already took pay cuts. MLAs reduced their salaries by 10 per cent, Premier Jason Kenney made 15 per cent less, and political staffers took home seven per cent less.

In 2019-2020, MLAs in Alberta take in an annual salary of $120,936. Members of Parliament make a “basic sessional indemnity” of $182,600.

For both the provincial and federal governments, key officials such as ministers and party leaders receive additional pay.

by David Opinko

Southern Alberta MLA asks elected officials to take 20% pay cut

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