The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Manitoba government to end the costly transition allowances for former Members of the Legislative Assembly.
The CTF released its calculations of estimated severance payouts for politicians who lost their seats or retired in the election.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t be padding the wallets of MLAs who are headed for the exits,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “Ordinary Manitobans don’t get a golden parachute when they leave their jobs and they shouldn’t be forced to fund one for politicians.”
In the last election, 25 MLAs lost their seats or did not seek re-election. They are eligible for severance payments ranging from $25,749 to $102,998. In total, former MLAs are eligible to receive $1.84 million in severance with an average payout of $32,800.
The payout is based on the number of years the MLA has been in office. An MLA can receive one month’s pay for each year they were in office, from a minimum of three months pay to a maximum of 12.
MLA’s are paid about $102,998 per year. The average Manitoban earns about $57,000.
“Former politicians shouldn’t keep fleecing taxpayers when they aren’t even in office anymore,” Haubrich said. “Premier-Designate Wab Kinew needs to cancel this taxpayer-funded handout before the next election.”
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