MLA Compensation Report recommends changes

This morning at a news conference the Honourable J.C. Major, CC, QC spoke to the recommendations in his report on compensation, benefits and allowances to be paid to Members of the Legislative Assembly.

“The objective of the report was to recommend compensation that is both fair and reasonable to the Members of the Legislative Assembly while at the same time understandable to the taxpayers to whom they are accountable, said Major. I believe that the report achieves a balanced and equitable approach to Member compensation in Alberta.”
The extensive 327 page report outlines 11 recommendations that if implemented in full would result in a reduced total compensation for Alberta MLAs. Highlights of those recommendations include:

• a salary of $134,000 for Members of the Legislative Assembly with no additional compensation for serving on Assembly or Government committees,
• a $200 stipend per meeting for Chairs of Committees,
• maintaining the tax-free allowance as it is of significant economic benefit to the Province and Albertans, and
• discontinuing the current transition allowance. A reduced transition allowance with a precise maximum is recommended.

The independent review led by Major began on January 3, 2012. As part of his analysis, Major invited Albertans to provide input by appearing before the Commission, or by filing written submissions. At public hearings held in Edmonton and Calgary testimonies from 24 presenters were heard. The commission also received 285 written submissions.

The report was submitted to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on May 2, 2012, in accordance with the mandate of the commission, and thus completed the mandate. The report is accessible online at www.mlacompensationreview-alberta.ca

The recommendations of the Report could be debated in the Assembly and if approved forwarded to the Members’ Services Committee and the Government to implement recommendations in their respective areas of responsibility.