Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, this is an area that we have been asking ourselves, as well, throughout Canada and even around the world. As far as we know, there are no other MLA plans in Canada in this position, and I can't think of any other, whether it be public or private sectors, across Canada that are in a similar situation as we are. We are quite unique over the last 20 years, and we're here today. Masi.

Masi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, it has been quite some time. It has been over 20 years, since the late 1990s; approximately 20-plus years. Masi.

Mr. Chair, that particular area is laid out in the legislation. The current system was put in place, obviously, following the recommendation of an independent commission that was established in 2005; so, based on that, it is part of legislation, though. Masi.

Masi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the way it's broken down is that it's evenly split between roughly half for MLA salary and allowances and half to adjustment of the constituency budget. That is how it's laid out in the budget. Masi.

Masi, Mr. Chair. I have to my left Mr. Darrin Ouellette. He is director of corporate services. To my right is Tim Mercer, the clerk.

Mr. Chair, as far as we know, yes, they all contribute as we do. Masi.

Masi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the answer would be yes. MLAs over the years, even continuing until this day, contributed 9 per cent of their salaries to the plan. Masi.

Masi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the current system was put in place, again, based on the recommendation of an independent compensation commission. There is another independent commission that is currently reviewing the MLAs' compensation as we speak, and I understand that they are considering this particular matter before them. I do hope and expect a report by this summer, and the plan will be to table that in the fall session. Mr. Chair, masi.

Masi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, this has been brought up before, if it was retroactive, and it's not. They do take into effect April 1, 2018, and it is not retroactive. MLAs' salaries were frozen for 2016-2017. That was the decision that was made at that time. Masi.

Mr. Chair, that particular amount would amount to approximately $70,000.