A basic concept of modern democracy is that governing is done by representatives elected from ordinary people, not by a privileged ruling class. And yet, by voting themselves rich pensions and a generous severance package, sa国际传媒鈥檚 legislators have set themselves up as a class apart, with a sense of entitlement that carries a whiff of nobility (in the worst sense of the word).
Current budget deliberations at the legislature include $3.6 million for severance packages for MLAs who choose not to run again or are defeated in the next election. Each departing MLA will receive up to $127,353, which is 15 months of an MLA鈥檚 regular salary, to help them make the transition from politics into the workforce. It鈥檚 an arrangement that has been in effect since 2007.
MLAs leaving the legislature, voluntarily or otherwise, are also eligible for up to $9,000 in 鈥渃areer counselling鈥� or re-education to further help with that transition.
It looks as if they have figured out how to lose and win at the same time.
We don鈥檛 begrudge MLAs their salaries. Theirs is a demanding and time-consuming job, but they are fairly paid.
On top of that, they have created for themselves a pension plan far richer than any that could be found in the private sector.
Why should they need any more of a cushion against the vicissitudes of life than the people they represent?
Most of us couldn鈥檛 expect to be rewarded with a year鈥檚 salary if we decide to quit. Few of us would expect such a deal if we got fired for cause, which, it can be argued, is what happens when a sitting politician loses an election.
One of the justifications for a severance package is that the time spent in office leaves a person unprepared for other employment. Really? Have we elected a herd of one-trick ponies? Or does political life so blind people to reality that we need to take them by the hand and lead them back into the light?
On the contrary, being in office should expand a person鈥檚 view, polish skills, add impressive things to a resum茅. It鈥檚 an experience that should result in a network of relationships that can prove useful later.
In fact, it is not uncommon for people leaving office to go on to lucrative private-sector employment as a direct result of their public service.
In any event, a person who is elected should know it鈥檚 a job guaranteed only to the next election, and a wise person would plan accordingly, setting aside a little money from each paycheque to build a fund for the transition.
If that is deemed unworkable, perhaps MLAs should consider what the common folk do to prepare for the possibility of losing a job 鈥� employment insurance.
The sa国际传媒 Liberals have focused intensely on cutting costs, acknowledging that budget cuts will create certain hardships. At the same time, MLAs continue to shield themselves from hardship with their pensions and severance pay. When they say: 鈥淚 feel your pain,鈥� it rings a little hollow.
While the severance package isn鈥檛 a huge part of the provincial budget, MLAs should have respect for every dollar of public money they spend. Their frugality should extend to themselves.
It really shouldn鈥檛 be up to the MLAs to set their own pay and benefits, a situation rife with conflict of interest. The matter of compensation should be handled by an arm鈥檚-length body, one consisting of a cross-section of citizens, including a substantial component of wage-earners who truly know what it is like to have to keep track of the nickels and dimes.
Perhaps they can remind legislators of the realities of life.
