Wildrose seeks to end debate on politician pay hike until budget balanced
EDMONTON — Alberta’s Opposition Wildrose party is asking the government to shelve any talk of new perks and pay hikes for politicians until the budget is balanced.
Party Leader Danielle Smith says that with the price of oil below expectations and the province facing a $3-billion budget deficit, now is not the time to hike pay.
Smith says she will introduce a motion at a meeting next week of an all-party committee debating changes to the pay structure.
The Tory majority on the committee voted earlier this month to have taxpayers make the full yearly RRSP contribution for all 87 politicians.
Wildrose says that works out to an eight per cent pay hike.
Members of the legislature make a base salary of $134,000 a year with more to caucus leaders and cabinet ministers.
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