Government House Leader Simon Jolin-Barrette tabled a bill on Thursday to raise the basic annual allowance for elected members of the National Assembly to $131,766.
Even before it was tabled, Bill 24 had already aroused objections and uneasiness in the opposition.
Mr. Jolin-Barrette is to answer questions from journalists on Thursday morning. The minister chose to do so in a scrum instead of a formal press conference, as is usually the case with bills.
The basic annual allowance is currently $101,561. Elected representatives also receive bonuses relating to the parliamentary functions they exercise, whether they are chairpersons of parliamentary committees or assistant ministers. They also have an expense allowance equivalent to $20,256 after deducting federal taxes.
Earlier in the morning, the political parties said they would reserve their final opinion until the bill was tabled.
Quebec solidaire (QS) however judged that the way of proceeding to decide on the increase would harm the confidence of voters in elected officials.
“It doesn’t make sense, MPs who vote themselves an increase of $30,000 a year while there are many cashiers, precisely, who barely do that, $30,000 a year “, he said.
QS pointed out in particular that the process that led to the decision to raise the salary did not take into account the very generous conditions that elected officials enjoy thanks to their pension plan.
QS MPs have yet to decide whether they will accept the proposed increase.
“When we know the exact nature of the government’s proposal and then we know the terms of its application, we will make a decision,” said Mr. Nadeau-Dubois.
Liberal MP André Fortin did not express opposition to the CAQ proposal even if he also criticizes the way of proceeding.
“Outside our walls, there are no Quebecers who vote for their own salary increase, their overall compensation conditions. There’s a discussion to be had on what to do next as to whether this is a normal way to go. »
According to Mr. Fortin, this will not harm the image of the members. He denounced the government’s rush to decide on this increase while other state employees are waiting for increases.
“If it is basically an issue for which we are in favor, there is a question of form for the rest of things,” he said.
PQ MP Pascal Bérubé has also reserved the position of his party for later.
“It’s a done deal. It will be adopted with the majority or with the Liberals, ideally or with us, it is their wish. We have a discomfort that is important, ”he said.
More details will follow.