Pathetic.....This BC government as lost all sense of reality, shame, shame, shame!

I support the raise. We need as a province to attract good people to serve and low wages will not do it.
MLAs good or bad have a direct impact on how or province does. In my opinion the only reason we have a big jump is the fact past MLAs have been unable to ask for what their worth, we tax payers have been getting a very good deal have great MLAs at such a low cost.

Just plain wrong.
Something stinks about the timing and the way it all came about...
How long ago was the appointed comission supposed to be in Prince George to see how the voting public felt about this??
Only a matter of weeks.
Were they not a no show?
Did we get a second chance at having our say?
Kind of quick isn't it?
Campbell himself appointed the commisson to review the salaries.
Do we trust him?
No.
Do we really believe they were completely unbiased?
How could they be unbiased when they were hand picked by the Premier?
Do we really believe the Liberals didn't let this commission know what was expected of them?
Are the 3 people people appointed Liberal party supporters?
The Liberals caucus agreed to accept the recommendation rather quickly did they not?
Have the Liberals not been the big push behind a raise?
Remember the 15 percent they tried for the last time they attempted this?
So who instigated that raise?
And a pension plan?
Too many unanswered questions.This is excessive by anybody's standards.
Bigtime.
Right now,when I see Campbell on TV,I want to barf.The arrogance and lack of respect for the public is overwhelming.
We have been set up and I honestly believe that.These politcal carpetbaggers knew exactly what was going to happen.
And in the end,what makes these people worth so much more than the average working joe?
Nothing.
No one would have begrudged them a raise in line with what the provincial average has been for raises.Or even a bit higher.
Obviously that is not what they wanted.
They are the elite after all are they not?
There SHOULD be an election called over this, but we know that will not happen.
And for Gordon Campbell,his true colors and his sheer arrogance is showing for all to see.
He just committed political hari-kari for the sake of the almighty dollar.
Goodbye Gordon!

Like I said before, classic Campbell. The public had the nerve to put up a fuss about their 15% raise so, he makes up a commission of his own choice, falsely claims it to be impartial and they recommend a 29% raise with perks. Once again Gordo shows his true stripes and once again he expects the public to accept this as normal. Wake up people, this guy is bad for us all. We are all sheep.

Hey anybody notice that Colin Kinsley's name was brought up in the Basi-Virk B.C. Rail corruption trial on Friday? To see more go to The Tyee internet newspaper under the trial. Funny how no other newspaper here in Prince George has picked up on this!

A year ago they tried to award themselves a 15 percent raise and they did it behind closed doors.
Public uproar shot it down, but they have been pissed about it ever since.
Again,in 1996 when the pension plan for MLA's got shot down,it would have had the taxpayers contributing $6.50 for every $1.00 contributed by an MLA.
My,that sounds very fair doesn't it?
Nobody would have begrudged them a damn pension plan but they were just a bit too greedy!
And how much is YOUR pension plan if you are lucky enough to have one?
A raise in excess of 50 percent for Gordon Campbell??
Hello?
He stands to benefit more than anyone, so who do we really think is the push behind this?
We have just been had by the old boys club...again.

Disgusting as it may be to the people with 'normal' (average) wages in BC, the fact of the matter is that people who run big business require big paycheques. Running the Province is a huge job, and the sacrifices are more than most of us would be prepared to make. Who the heck would even want the job??? If we don't pay "proper" wages to these leaders, we're going to get the bottom of the barrel candidates. We must pay our politicians big bucks and hope that we can attract the high level of skill and professionalism that any big business would require. I'm totally in favour of this raise, as in the overall scheme of the Provincial budget, this raise won't make the slightest difference. Those of you howling with disagreement...would you actually take on this horrible job for 'regular' wages????? In fact, we're all responsible for needing to bump up the wages because as a society we're a pretty nasty bunch when it comes to how we treat our public officials. (and refs!! Now THEY should also get a pay raise!)

I agree with some of what you are saying to a point Buzz,but 29 PERCENT on a base salary of 73,000?
Plus ALL expenses.
Which by the way,is nothing to sneeze at.
And they knew what the job paid when they threw their hat in the ring.
So why are they whining now?
Ministers get more.
Plus ALL expenses.
And... in excess of 50 PERCENT for the Premier?
Don't we wish!
Not a chance,this is wrong!

"If we don't pay "proper" wages to these leaders, we're going to get the bottom of the barrel candidates."

We so often hear this argument put forward. Am I to understand, then, that all the current politicians are the bottom of the barrel, incompetent and unprofessional yahoos that Buzz argues that the present pay rates bring to the fore? We had an election not too long ago and the present politicians all ran knowing what the pay was, and I seem to recall there were candidates in excess, as there invariably are.

The argument is nonsense. Politicians run for political reasons and the pay is a secondary issue. The vast majority are motivated by dreams of bringing the province (or country) into line with their philosophy and proving the wisdom of their own beliefs. Only after being elected does compensation raise its head. If money is a concern, then it is dealt with well before an election. The fact is that although the present pay is not tremendous, it is not bad, either, and is quite a livable amount. Andyes, I would serve as an MLA for that amount.

We need a system of determining compensation for the public sector that is not politically driven, so this kind of fiasco can be avoided altogether.

In the corporate world, executive salaries under $200,000 are pretty blah. That's the reality of the market value for executives. You can hate that fact all you want, but it's still a fact. If you want an expert plumber, then pay the market value for an expert plumber. If you want an expert leader, then pay the market value for an expert leader. If you think this is so unfair, then isn't it nice that you live in a country where you too can go out and pursue the big bucks and get yourself a high paying job. We all think we know better than the politicians anyway, so there should be way more of us running for office and taking on these jobs.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but (although it's ancient history), isn't this the same government that legislated a 15% pay cut for the HEU? I find it funny that they want to attract the best and brightest to be a politician, but when it comes to health care, the bottom of the barrel will do. And, no, I'm not affiliated with health care at all lol. I wonder if I'm also the only one who thinks that the NDP is only making a lot of noise because there is no risk of changing it. I will be curious to see who really says no to the raises when they are legislated. I suspect that there will be a lot of people backtracking on their opposition.

I will also be curious to see if there are anymore legislated concessions demanded from gov unions once the olympics are over. Wonder if the "bottom of the barrel" argument will apply then as well.

Yup...that would be the same guys who whacked the HEU.
I too will be waiting to see what the NDP does.
The cracks are already starting to show.This could cost Carole James her job.Wouldn't the liberals love that!!
But then,she knows more than she is saying too!

Health care professionals are paid very fairly according once again to 'market value'. The higher up you go in healthcare, the more you make, as you should....like any high paid job, those who make the committment and sacrifice to climb up there deserve to be rewarded...and don't forget that anyone of us can choose to pursue these high paying jobs if we think we have what it takes. I can't disagree that the 15% cut was wrong and offensive, however, don't get that muddled up with the fact that we hardly pay 'bottom of the barrel' wages to health care professionals. I also agree that the NDP opposition to this increase in their pay is just a joke...they're just trying to score points with the general public with their so called indignation, however, they'll be happy to see their pay go up...who wouldn't!?!?

Health care professionals are paid very fairly according once again to 'market value'. The higher up you go in healthcare, the more you make, as you should....like any high paid job, those who make the committment and sacrifice to climb up there deserve to be rewarded...and don't forget that anyone of us can choose to pursue these high paying jobs if we think we have what it takes. I can't disagree that the 15% cut was wrong and offensive, however, don't get that muddled up with the fact that we hardly pay 'bottom of the barrel' wages to health care professionals. I also agree that the NDP opposition to this increase in their pay is just a joke...they're just trying to score points with the general public with their so called indignation, however, they'll be happy to see their pay go up...who wouldn't!?!?

I would not mind paying a good wage for an MLA or MP is they represented us, but they do not. When my grandfather was an elective offical, he did not do it for the money, he did to represent his riding and his belief that he would be helping people and this province. He left politics when he was not allowed to serve the people, but had to follow the party line.

I can not remember when politics became a profession, it use to be "calling". They were always intouch as they had to work for a living only being paid when they were sitting. Higher wages do not mean better people as we have had some very good MLAs and leaders, all it means is that it is a good paying job for professionals that are not in touch with the average citizen.

Kagee I completely agree with you, however, I'm just trying to point out what I believe is the reality of our society today in terms of compensation. You could also argue that in the past, many great people ran agencies such as the cancer society, hospice society, crisis center (and on and on and on) for absolutely no compensation at all, or very minimal. These days, the executive director of a place like Big Brothers gets a pretty decent wage, complete with benefits. We hope that they are still doing that type of job because it's a "calling", but they also want to get paid as much as possible as well. I also agree that simply throwing money at politicians won't make them better people, however, you sure won't attract many great people to run for future office just because it's a "calling"....anymore than you'd find a great executive director of a non-profit society that would want to achieve that high level and difficulty in their career just because they felt called to do it. They also want top dollar for their efforts, and they'll look around for an opportnity that marries both their calling and top-level compensation. I don't see any way around this at this point in our society, so I say, pay them what's required and hope that we can attract the best in the future.

I think that Buzz misses the whole point of what most people find offensive about this 29% and 52% (in the case of Gordon Campbell). It has nothing to do with the actual dollar amount paid to politicians, it is the way it comes about and how it compares to how other public sector employees are treated.

I suspect that if MLAs were given the same 2% or whatever that all other publicly paid employees were given, and at the same time as they got it, that there would not be a peep from anyone. But the Liberal government has made a tremendous big deal about the need to restrict the pay increases of ALL public sector employees over several years, then totally and completely ignores it when it is their own turn to be dealt with. It is the double standard, the hypocrisy, the self serving "gimme mine" attitude that most of us find so distasteful. Gordon Campbell should take his own medicine, like all others paid from the public purse.

As to the NDP, I have no idea what they will actually do, but I also have no reason to believe they will not do what they say. Perhaps, instead of insulting them before anyone knows, we could all wait and see. One thing is absolutely clear, though. After the previous episode, the NDP have learnt a lesson and have responded positively to the public's distaste. Campbell and the Liberals have not, and are showing complete disdain for the public.

There is something about this entire argument that bothers me.
Our present political system WAS in fact set up BY politicians FOR politicans.
There is no denying they have set up a nice comfortable,untouchable little world for themselves.
And yes,there was a time as "kagee" mentioned,that it WAS a calling.
But those days are long gone!
Now it is a job and a damn good one at that!
This talk about "sacrifice" for public service seems to be the rallying cry for politicians now.
What?...we are supposed to feel sorry for them? And throw money at them? They made the decision to enter political life.
They had a choice so quit whining.
I have never seen a politican who had to alter his lifestyle much when they retired, as do most everyday average working people when they suddenly find themselves on a fixed income after life in the sawmill.
There are more benefits to political life than just wages.
And the other day I saw where someone said that it was difficult to return to the private sector after political life.
That's crap.
Someone who knows the inner workings of government is actually a very desireable employee to have on your payroll.
THAT one I am NOT buying!
But none of this is the point anyway.
The point is in fact,that a 29% raise is extreme and a 50% raise for the Premier is just plain disgusting.
And unwarranted.
Seems to me that anyone who thinks that would be ok must be a politician or at least a wannabe?

I would not be a bit surprised if this pay raise and pension isn't retroactive also.
and that will make the increase a lot more than advertised.
We shall see...

As a retired health care worker, I believe I have some insight into pay rates. The expression "health care professional" can have different meanings.

1) It can mean doctors. These are paid fee for service mostly with caps on earnings. Specialists get a lot and can get income from non MSP sources (ICBC, WCB etc). GPs don't get paid enough for the work they put in. Also, some hospital based doctors are paid salaries, usually quite a bit less than other specialists. It is not an even playing field at all.

2) Paramedical professionals such as pharmacists, physios, lab, imaging and various other technologies. The pay rates have been deliberately kept down for several years by legislation. Government has a big power weapon and the Liberals have used it to restrict pay increases. To argue the rates are "market value" is obviously not the case. Rates have been deliberately kept low by legislation and bear no relation to the market rate. Hospital based pharmacists, for instance, earn less than the market rate in Safeway or Superstore.

3) Nurses. Much the same as 2.

Andyfreeze, for the record, I would rather slit my wrists than have anything to do with politics, so your assumption is incorrect. I do happen to be a person who does not automatically follow the herd and attack public figues just because that's the way everyone else behaves. I don't yell at refs either, even when I totally disagree with them. I believe that some politicians are corrupt or inept (just like some doctors, some priests, some police, some refs, etc.), but most are good honest people who are doing their best to do a good job and make a positive difference. I don't belong to any political party (never have, never will), but that doesn't mean I can't have a great deal of empathy for anyone who puts the noose around their neck called "public life". At least they have the balls to try and make a difference, instead of sitting on their couches insulting the people who try to lead instead of follow. The very least they can get out of their tough no-win jobs is to make a large income, along with hopefully the satisfaction that they've tried their best to do what's right for the people they serve.

Andyfreeze, for the record, I would rather slit my wrists than have anything to do with politics, so your assumption is incorrect. I do happen to be a person who does not automatically follow the herd and attack public figues just because that's the way everyone else behaves. I don't yell at refs either, even when I totally disagree with them. I believe that some politicians are corrupt or inept (just like some doctors, some priests, some police, some refs, etc.), but most are good honest people who are doing their best to do a good job and make a positive difference. I don't belong to any political party (never have, never will), but that doesn't mean I can't have a great deal of empathy for anyone who puts the noose around their neck called "public life". At least they have the balls to try and make a difference, instead of sitting on their couches insulting the people who try to lead instead of follow. The very least they can get out of their tough no-win jobs is to make a large income, along with hopefully the satisfaction that they've tried their best to do what's right for the people they serve.

All will be forgotten when the next election rolls around. I hope to be here to remind you. La de da. Life goes on.

I will not soon forget this insanity by criminal Campbell and his cronies

Now, is that not odd?...
Why would "Buzz" or anyone else for that matter, feel threatened by my tiny, one man's personal OPINION?
Like,who really cares?
He/she must care,because he/she mentioned my post name... specifically... and thank you!!
OK,let's just let that part go,..
Ok,ok, I am getting old, I am retired,with a shitty pension, and not much to do with my time..but I ain't dead yet.
Let's not take offence here...
So what is the issue?
Most of the posters,so far,do not agree with his/her train of thought,but hey,..that could change at any time!
I am up for that!
Can't imagine why anyone would be upset about all this?
I do stand by what I say...
Anyone who can condone this disgusting abuse of the voter's trust, obviously just does not get it.
Either that,or they just don't understand the life of the average joe citizen.
We are not all educated idiots with diploma's coming out our asses that enable us to make major dollars...
Perhaps some of us never had opportunity go there.
I did my time on the chain...
Sorry, but we are not ALL the elite...
Most of of us are just average,every day people with a family perhaps,trying to get along as best we can in a world turned upside down by greed and politics.
And hell,it ain't easy, as we all understand.
We don't all get to make the kind of dough these political godsend's think they deserve.
Well, they don't a deserve 29 percent increase...
but a damn good living, I WILL accept.
But guess what,29 percent is crossing the line.
And I will NEVER accept this kind of abuse of public trust by an "ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE".
Because that's exactly what they are...
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES!!
I guess they have forgotten that part.
And as Ben's site always say's...this is just "one man's opinion"!!
Aftr that...I really don't give a damn!!
And Buzz..after my rant..?
Chill man...chill!!
It's just politics man,never to be taken seriously!!!
...or personally!.

I'm chilled, man, real chilled. And who said I was taking it personally? I just like to argue sometimes and look at a variety of points of view.

Somewhat interesting posts. However as usual most people are overlooking some of the obvious points.

Number (1) Most MLA'S who get elected for the first time arrive in Victoria much like Jeb Clampet, and Jethro Bodine arrived in Beverely Hills. They knew very little about the roll of an MLA, and in fact they have classes in Victoria to educate them. So we can assume that some but certainly not all, were qualified for the job they won on the hustings.

Numbear (2) Most MLA'S remain just that MLA'S. Some get jobs as Ministers of different departments, and of course they get an increase in salary for the added responsibility. If they become a member of a committee they get compensation for that also.

Number (3) Every Minister, has a Deputy MInister and a number assistants, plus staff to do research etc; Mla's have secretarys etc; to assist them in their duties. To assume that these people go to Victoria and do all the work themselves is foolish.

Number (4) Dont confuse a Plumber, or Electrician, etc; with politicians, especially Ministers. A plumber will arrive at your house by himself and do all the work himself, and pay a large portion of your fee to the plumbing co., he works for. A politician (Minister) has numerous assistants to do all the work, while he travels, attends meetings, and does his politicing. Two different things entirely.

Number (5) We all know (or should know) that 99.9% of Government work is done by Government Employees. Politicians come and go but Civil Servants remain forever.

Number (6) While some politicans work hard, others wax philosphically about nothing and get paid the same.

Number (7) In order to get elected as an MLA you first have to join a political party, then you have to get the nomination from your party members, so that you can run in that riding, and then you have to get elected, after which you might become a Minister of (Something) or a back bencher. Its pretty obvious that if one was to go to all this trouble to get elected, then he would be aware of what he would get paid once he arrived in Victoria.

Number (8) An MLA's who was in Government for 10 Years, after the next election will get paid the same as an MLA who just got elected and has just arrived in Victoria. So we can assume that experience doesnt enter into the picture.

Have a nice day.

These raises are nearly the most absurd thing "Wee Gordies " band of bandits has suggested since coming to power. This ranks right up there with the Employee Benefit Program mainly for health workers that has "lost" some $ 300 million in the past 6 years. The special committee he picked is a good example of how this government does business. The three of them are so far out of touch with reality that it is sickening. However, for that matter so is the entire government. His picks or whoever picked them was similar to an indidvidual picked a few years ago to look at the Benefit program and he was exactly the same (no sense of logic or reality).
As far as the amount of "work" they try to defend, that is a joke. These new raises would put most of them in the same hourly rate as professional athletes. When was the last time a government actually cancelled a sitting because there wasn't enough government business to do. Bell, Rustad and Mrs. Bond...why not do what you have been asked to do many times and look into the waste in health care ?

I believe Ms Bond said that if we wanted to get good people to run, we needed to pay them a decent salary. My question to Ms Bond is does this mean that we don't have good people as MLA's now?
This commission was poorly publicized and not representative of the people, so who would put much stock in their recommendations.
Them's thats got the gold, makes the rules.
Shafted by Gordie and his gang....again!