In a late news conference Thursday, Premier Jim Prentice announced the members of his cabinet had agreed to take a pay reduction, and he’s urging MLAs to follow suit.
The premier announced late Thursday afternoon that his cabinet ministers had voluntarily taken a 5 percent pay reduction, and said his government is looking at ways to cut costs further down the ladder to ease the burden on Albertans.
“They expect people who work for government, whether we are elected or are employees, to share part of the burden,” Prentice said Thursday.
In addition, MLA George VanderBurg, who is Vice Chair of the Members’ Services Committee, will prepare a motion for a committee meeting next week, to recommend MLAs follow suit.
“Our members appreciate that these are times of restraint. I anticipate full support from MLAs who are hearing from their constituents about the need for us all to show leadership and restraint,” Vanderburg said in a press release.
Prentice said if the reduction is accepted by all MLAs, it will result in $600,000 savings. The change is effective February 1.
As a result of the change, Prentice will see a reduction of $10,888 per year, and cabinet ministers $10,050 per year. If approved for MLAs, they will see a reduction of $6,700 per year.
With files from Danelle Boivin
