MPPs' Pay Hike Sparks Public Outcry

0:00On April 1st, Ontario's minimum wage rose by about 2%, but provincial lawmakers, known as MPPs, got a bigger 4.2% pay. Bump that day too. This raised lines up their salaries with federal MPs to keep things competitive amid inflation, all parties at Queen's Park agreed last year to end a 16-year salary freeze. They approved a one-time 35% increase coming in 2025, plus a new pension plan and tied future pay to what MPs earn. Most Ontarians aren't happy about it. A recent Ipsos poll for Global News shows 60% oppose the MPP raise, only 20% supported, and 20% have no strong view. Critics like the Canadian Taxpayer Spederation say its tone-deaf with folks battling high living costs and the province borrowing billions yearly. Backbench MPPs now earn $163,959 up from $157,350.

1:00Dollars. Lawmakers argue better pay draws top talent to politics. This move highlights the pushpull between keeping politicians pay fairly and public frustration over who puts the bill. Canada News today, powered by AI-breeding you what matters.