Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. cabinet in line for 'pay raise': Opposition

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Feb, 2022 05:34 PM
  • B.C. cabinet in line for 'pay raise': Opposition

VICTORIA - The Opposition B.C. Liberals say cabinet ministers stand to gain 10 per cent on their salaries that's normally withheld when the provincial government posts a deficit budget.

The Liberals say the New Democrat government's budget includes a proposed amendment to the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act that would give ministers the extra pay despite a deficit.

Liberal house leader Todd Stone says while people in B.C. are struggling with rising costs, Premier John Horgan and his cabinet ministers are about to give themselves pay raises.

Finance Minister Selina Robinson defended the proposal, saying the 10-per-cent holdback could be viewed as a deterrent to fund programs and policies that affect the budget.

Horgan's annual salary is about $211,000 a year, while cabinet ministers are paid about $167,000, but the 10 per cent that is withheld is only on the portion of their incomes that relate to their cabinet positions.

Horgan gets about $100,000 on top of the $111,000 salary paid to members of the legislature, while cabinet ministers get about $56,000.

"Fighting unaffordability is not one of the priorities of this budget," Stone said in the legislature. "But what was one of the priorities: making life more affordable for the premier and for NDP cabinet ministers."

Robinson replied: "This measure, Mr. Speaker, it sent the wrong message. It prioritizes austerity and cuts over investment."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

692 COVID19 cases for Friday

692 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are 733 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 113 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, 5 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,786.

692 COVID19 cases for Friday

Downtown Eastside shooting lands one in hospital with serious injuries

Downtown Eastside shooting lands one in hospital with serious injuries
Multiple 9-1-1 callers reported hearing gun shots near East Cordova and Carrall streets at around 8:45 p.m. February 16. One person was taken to hospital for serious injuries.

Downtown Eastside shooting lands one in hospital with serious injuries

Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace

Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace
Suspects posted items for sale and arranged meetings with potential buyers. Victims then agreed to e-transfer payment prior to meeting the suspects, who suddenly stopped communicating with the victims and never showed up to exchange goods.

Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation
Interim chief Steve Bell says the plan is "deliberate and methodical" and police are in control on the ground, but clearing the area will take time. Police began enforcing against the protest on Thursday night, setting up about 100 checkpoints and arresting key organizers.

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers
Katrina Chen, B.C.'s minister of state for child care, announced Friday that $25.5 million will provide bursaries for students entering the field over the next three to four years.

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers

Glimmer of hope in Lytton rebuild after wildfire

Glimmer of hope in Lytton rebuild after wildfire
Denise O'Connor is back in Lytton, B.C., living in the home where she spent her childhood years. The fire on June 30 roared through Lytton just one day after the temperature in the village hit an all-time Canadian high of 49.6 C.

Glimmer of hope in Lytton rebuild after wildfire