Manitoba MLAs Won't See Raises Until 2020

The commissioner responsible for MLA wages ruled there would be no raises for another three years. It came as no surprise however to the Manitoba PC Caucus whose members have been voluntarily giving back cost of living increases   since March. The Caucus has also chosen to refuse any cost of living increases for the next three years. The NDPs and Liberal caucuses also refused salary increases.

"We're faced with an enormous $900 million deficit... clearly the government needs to lead by example," said Morden-Winkler MLA and Minister of Finance Cameron Friesen.

Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister, Cliff Cullen, agreed and said the wage freeze is warranted. He points to the province's fiscal situation that includes a recent downgrade in its credit rating and the billion dollars a year it costs to service the debt load.

"As a government we're trying to get everybody involved in this and try to repair the fiscal situation and challenges we find ourselves in."

Cullen says the decision by the PC Caucus to refuse any cost of living increase for the next three years sends a signal to Manitobans that the party is taking this challenge head-on.

The commissioner decided MLA wages should remain at $94,513 per year. Raises are expected April 1, 2020 to adjust for cost of living expenses.

It was also determined no changes would be made to the current Legislative Assembly Pension Plan (LAPP) for MLAs other than active Member contributions should be increased by 2% to 9%.