In response to what he calls a “skyrocketing” cost of living, BC Liberal house leader Todd Stone says he’ll table a private member’s bill that would freeze MLA salaries, which are tied to inflation, for the forthcoming year..The move would be similar to what his party did a decade ago..“British Columbians expect their elected representatives to lead by example. As our constituents continue to face financial challenges due to inflation, the last thing they’d want to see is their MLA receiving a pay bump,” Stone said Thursday..“Accepting a pay increase of up to 10% would be completely out of line with the expectations of families who are struggling to put food on the table or keep their kids in extra-curricular activities.”.The MLA representing Kamloops-South Thompson reflected on 2010 to 2013, noting the then-in-power BC Liberal government froze MLA salaries “against the backdrop of a recession and tough economic circumstances,” highlighting it was the “right thing to do” at the time and should therefore happen again today amid the “urgent challenges” British Columbians face..Of the urgent challenges most notably highlighted by Stone are housing and healthcare..“One in five British Columbians is without a family doctor, and many are struggling to access emergency and primary care. We need more mental health and addictions supports, and more housing built that people can afford,” he said..READ MORE: BC hires 54 newly graduated family doctors, remains firm on unvaccinated.Stone’s caucus said the private member’s bill would freeze MLA salaries by suspending the legislated annual Consumer Price Index adjustment on April 1, 2023, and Stone himself added the BC New Democrats should also reverse their retroactive pay raise for cabinet ministers..Legislative assembly members make $115,045 a year while cabinet ministers make $172,567..While BC NDP’s Finance Minister Selina Robinson said she'd consider the proposal, she also said “the chutzpah” was on full display in the house, reminding Stone that his government increased ICBC rates, tolls on bridges, and overall “made it harder for British Columbians.”.“Holy chutzpah Batman. To hear from those folks over there about freezing wages.. they froze minimum wage for years,” said Robinson.
