Taxpayers on hook for $170K in MLA severances

The provincial government paid $170,165 to four MLAS last year as part of a severance package available to politicians who lose their seats, choose not to stand for re-election, resign or die while in office.

Under Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan rules, departing MLAS are entitled to claim a “transition allowance” equivalent to one month of their basic salary — currently $92,817 per year — for each year of service, up to a maximum of 12 years.

Public records show that former Premier Brad Wall, who resigned his seat two months before the fiscal year ended, was paid $15,470 last year, while former economy minister Bill Boyd, who resigned after being booted from caucus last summer — took home $54,143.

Jennifer Campeau, who resigned as the MLA for Saskatoon Fairview in the summer of 2017, claimed a transition allowance of $46,409; the estate of Kevin Phillips, who died suddenly last November, was paid $54,143, the records show.

Former finance minister Kevin Doherty resigned his seat in early March, the last month of the 201718 fiscal year. His transition allowance is expected to be on the books for the current fiscal year, which began April 1.

The $170,165 paid out in 2017-18 brings the total amount over the last seven years — the period for which public accounts documents are available online — to $2.47 million, which went to 35 MLAS from the Saskatchewan Party and the Saskatchewan NDP.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which has long opposed the practice of compensating outgoing politicians, believes the transition allowance should be cut in half immediately, then eliminated entirely at some point in the future.

It is worth noting that some MLAS choose public service over a hefty paycheque in the private sector, but the job insecurity that comes with politics is a choice and most people do not have access to similar severance packages, said CTF spokesman Todd Mackay.

“Is the compensation that elected representatives get in line with the folks they serve? When they ’re getting deals, particularly pensions and things like that, way in excess of the people they serve, that creates a disconnect and that needs to be kept in line.”

Compensation for MLAS is determined by the Board of Internal Economy, a bipartisan Legislative Assembly committee chaired by Speaker Mark Docherty and made up of cabinet ministers, government backbenchers and Opposition members.

Docherty did not respond to an interview request.

Different jurisdictions take different approaches to compensating MLAS who leave their seats.

Alberta scrapped its transition allowance in 2012 but made it retroactive, while British Columbia offers a transition allowance only to MLAS who complete their terms of office.

Those who resign or leave midterm are not eligible.

Like Saskatchewan, Manitoba pays departing MLAS an allowance equal to one month’s salary for each year of service, up to a maximum of 12 years. Manitoba MLAS currently earn $94,513 per year.