Despite a palpable malaise, the CAQ government tabled a bill on Thursday to raise the salaries of elected officials by at least $30,000. Most of them, however, will receive an even greater increase, thanks to the bonuses associated with their various functions.
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If the bill is passed, the basic indemnity will increase from $101,561 to $131,766, in addition to being indexed at the same level as higher jobs thereafter. However, only about ten deputies receive this basic salary.
Indeed, each particular function gives the right to a bonus. For example, the government caucus chair sees his salary increased by 25%. The Prime Minister is entitled to a 105% bonus, because of his additional responsibilities.
From now on, this percentage will therefore apply to the new base salary, increasing the total compensation accordingly.
The Prime Minister’s salary will thus increase from $208,200 to $270,120, an increase of $61,920.
The Leader of the Official Opposition will see his salary go from $177,732 to $230,591, a jump of $52,859. (see table below)
In addition to the basic income for Members, there is an annual expense allowance equivalent to $20,256 (after deduction of federal income tax), reimbursements for travel and accommodation expenses, a post-mandate transition allowance, as well as than a generous pension fund.
Mute deputies
In the corridors of the National Assembly, the majority of CAQ deputies walked past journalists without saying a word about this important supplement that will fall into their pockets if the bill is adopted.
“It is not a subject that is very popular, the salary of elected officials, agrees the parliamentary leader of the government, Simon Jolin-Barrette, bearer of the file. That’s why we follow the recommendations of a report. It is also never a good time to increase, or to revise, or to reclassify the salaries of elected officials, and I understand that.
Indeed, the CAQ government is relying on the conclusions of a report commissioned from former MPs Lise Thériault and Martin Ouellet, as well as compensation specialist Jérôme Côté. The piece of legislation, says Mr. Jolin-Barrette, follows his recommendations to the letter.
The debate on the remuneration of elected officials periodically returns to the National Assembly in order to better reflect their working hours and to attract more political candidates. “This is a file that has not been touched for more than 20 years,” argues Mr. Jolin-Barrette.
Without deciding definitively, the parliamentary leader of the CAQ did not reject the idea of adopting the increase without the unanimous support of the other parties.
Québec solidaire and the Parti Québécois said they were uncomfortable with the approach adopted by the government, without committing to vote against the bill. The Liberals say they agree on the principle and undertake to work with the government.
Legault defends the increase
For his part, Prime Minister François Legault justified the increase by referring to a shortfall accumulated over the years.
“It was a catch-up that was due. There was an independent committee that looked into the file to ensure that salaries were competitive,” he commented a few minutes before the bill was tabled.
A rare CAQ member to speak on Thursday, Luc Provençal believes that an independent committee should decide on the salaries of elected officials. Currently, the deputies will have to vote their own increase, on the recommendation of the report.
However, the elected representative of Beauce-Nord is in favor of an improvement. He himself earned “very well” his living before politics, he said. “Any increase is reasonable,” said Mr. Provençal.
“The Liberal Party has never asked for a pay rise, but the party’s position has not changed overnight, the party is supportive.»
–André Fortin, Member of the Liberal Party of Quebec
“It doesn’t make sense, members who vote for themselves an increase of $30,000 a year when there are a lot of cashiers, precisely, who barely make that, $30,000 a year.»
–Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, parliamentary leader of Québec solidaire
“There is strong pressure from CAQ deputies. It’s a done deal. It will be adopted with the majority or with the Liberals, ideally with us, that is their wish. We have a significant discomfort.»
–Pascal Bérubé, Member of the Parti Québécois
INCREASES IN DETAIL
- Member of Parliament (without additional function) ➞ $101,561 to $131,766
- Prime Minister ➞ $208,200 to $270,120
- Minister (including Government House Leader) ➞ $177,732 to $230,591
- President of the National Assembly ➞ $177,732 to $230,591
- Vice-President of the National Assembly ➞ $137,107 to $177,884
- Leader of the Official Opposition ➞ $177,732 to $230,591
- Leader of the Second Opposition Group ➞ $137,107 to $177,884
- Leader of the Third Opposition Group ➞ $137,107 to $177,884
- Official Opposition House Leader ➞ $137,107 to $177,884
- House Leader of the Second Opposition Group ➞ $126,951 to $164,708
- Chief Government Whip ➞ $137,107 to $177,884
- Chief Official Opposition Whip ➞ $132,029 to $171,296
- Second Opposition Group Whip ➞ $121,873 to $158,119
- Deputy Government House Leader ➞ $126,951 to $164,708
- Official Opposition Deputy House Leader ➞ $121,873 to $158,119
- Deputy Government Whip ➞ $121,873 to $158,119
- Government Caucus Chair ➞ $126,951 to $164,708
- Parliamentary Assistant ➞ $121,873 to $158,119
- President of a standing committee ➞ $126,951 to $164,708
- Vice-president or vice-president of a standing committee ➞ $121,873 to $158,119
- Chairman or chairperson of a standing committee ➞ $116,795 to $151,531
- Member of the Bureau of the National Assembly ➞ $116,795 to $151,531