| Pay Hike for Canadian MPs | ||||||||||||||||
| Members of Parliament Fast Track Their Salaries | ||||||||||||||||
Dateline: 06/07/01 All it takes is a little motivation to make Canadian members of parliament move quickly. Just a few days after a commission reported that MPs deserve a pay increase, Government House Leader Don Boudria introduced a bill in the House to implement raises for both MPs and Senators. Members voted to push the bill through the Commons in just a few days, rather than the weeks and months that most legislation takes. There was never any doubt that the bill would pass in the Commons. The final vote in the House was 211 for and 52 against. The bill still must pass in the Senate and receive Royal Assent before it becomes law. Highlights of the bill are: The bill has a considerable impact on the pensions of MPs and senators as well. Under the current system, Prime Minister Chrétien would have received a pension of about $96,000 a year. Under the new system, the Prime Minister will receive a pension of about $140,000 a year. MPs' pensions will also increase - to about $31,500 a year after 8 years of service. Senators are also affected by the new legislation. They will make about $105,000, up from the current $69,100 and $10,800 tax-free expense allowance. Although some were unhappy that Senators would be earning less than MPs for the first time in history, a provision that allows Senators to go on long-term disability after the age of 65 seems to have sweetened the pot enough to get the legislation through the upper chamber. Explore Canada OnlineMust ReadsAbout.com Special FeaturesWhat is a Recession?Sure, we're all talking about it, but what, exactly, defines a recession? More > Weird Breaking NewsA daily look at some of the oddest (and dumbest) crimes around. More > ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved. | ||||||||||||||||
