MPs face cuts to spending, perks in Parliament

Conservative MPs held a secret meeting to discuss looming budget cuts on Parliament Hill. And as Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reports, the MPs were focused on preserving their own perks and privileges.

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Conservative MPs held a secret meeting on Wednesday to look at how they can curb spending -- including parliamentary perks that some want to protect.

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Thu. Feb. 16 2012 9:10 AM ET

On Wednesday, Government Whip Gordon O'Connor called a closed-door meeting to look at ways MPs can curb spending, including slashing perks that go along with the job -- which some MPs are fighting to protect.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife said Ottawa is considering spending cuts of between 5 and 10 per cent across the board for the coming budget -- including cuts to Old Age Security.

A 10 per cent cut to the $586-million budget for Parliament would mean a reduction of $58.6 million.

That could result in a scaling back of MP office budgets, a drop in round-trip flights from 64 to 52, and the elimination of all business-class flights for MPs.

"A lot of them are upset. They don't want to have fewer flights, they don't want to lose their business class flights, they don't want to see cuts to their office budgets and surprise surprise, the opposition parties agree with them," Fife told CTV's Canada AM.

"The opposition never agrees with the government on almost any policy until it comes to their own perks and privileges."

The annual budget for the Parliament of Canada in this fiscal year is $586,331,000. That includes operating costs for the Senate, the House of Commons, the Library of Parliament.

It's expected that MP salaries of $157,731 will be frozen this year.

Parliament is the only federal department that doesn't publicly post its expenditures. Other departments are required to make their spending public.

Fife said journalists have long called for more accountability and transparency when it comes to Parliamentary spending

"The spending estimates, you can't see them, unlike with every other department. Members of Parliament don't post their expenses online and I think if they did that and were open about it you would have a much greater degree of accountability."

Parliamentary spending allocations are determined by the secretive all-party Board of Internal Economy, which only holds closed-door meetings.

Some MPs have said publicly that cuts to their travel budget will reduce the time they can spend in their ridings.

"I would hope they wouldn't cut back on that travel, because that enables constituents to talk directly to us," said Edmonton NDP MP Linda Duncan

Sources told CTV News no decisions have been made, and more meetings on the proposed cuts are planned.

It's not clear whether MP pensions will come under any increased scrutiny as spending cuts are sought.

Comments are now closed for this story

Peter
said

Do I get this right, layoff's to the public service, reduce spending, in 2020, cut Old Age Security etc., but for some strange reason Parliament can't reduce it's spending by 10%. It is hard to stomach politicians and their; I am so important to the country. They should also add a claw back on their gold plated pensions to their CPP at 65, like everyone else in government. They are unbelievable!

Brigitte
said

As a public servant for the province,(nowhere near the level of MP) I find it interesting that all the rules that apply to civil service employees in no way apply to our MPs. Aren't they civil servants as well??
The Provincial Department I work for has very strict budget allowances and very strict monitoring of these budgets. Everything we do must be able to hold up to scrutiny...and that is only logical since our work is done with public money.
Why aren't MPs held to the same standards?

Wesley
said

I had no idea that MP operating expenses were so high and that they were not required to disclose how they spend our money on the "Hill". Where is the democracy in this?

David ON
said

All federal expense accounts should be made public it is our money their spending.

sassy
said

First of all, they don"t even work 52 weeks of the year,so why do they need 52 flights? Cut all MPP'S salary. They make too much now. I'm tired of paying, paying,paying. They should also not get their pension till 65.

Erika
said

Look at all the Harper bashers AGAIN. Debbie why don't you run for office instead of bashing all the time. Put your efforts into something positive keep your mouth quiet put actions into place.
Harper bashers I want to see your name on the election ballet next time, and put what YOU will do for Canadians in the media. Then lets see if you will be elected and see if you keep all the perks.
After all actions speak louder than words.

More Please
said

that could significantly affect the way they do their jobs? Then replace them. But Captain, I can't function on a measely $157k per year. Inside every Canadian politician there's a Greek. We have been deceived into thinking that somehow Canada is different. Politicians do not strive to serve. These are but greedy people who's life ambition is to get their faces up to the trough.

Tim
said

I have a new low lack of respect for our MP's. Their crying from being cut to 52 from 64 flights per year? Thats still one per week on MY dime. Get over it prim a donas. More evidence when it comes to issues like this, Parliament needs to be beholden to an independent body that controls spending.

Christine
said

When I was working our company policy dictated economy travel for trips 6 hours or less. I travelled by Go Transit and did paper work while sitting with the rest of the common folk. That poor guy, he can't do has paperwork in steerage! Why should My OAS be in jeopardy, yso the fat-cat MPs can keep their extremely lucrative pensions.

Hugh
said

Publish the names of the MP's who don't like this idea. Let the voter then decide.

Louis
said

Debbie, I agree with some of your comment, however, it should be noted that it is the Conservatives who are initiating the possible reduction of perks. I don't remember the Liberals doing anything when they were in power and I know the big spending NDP would never consider such a proposal.

don.h
said

where do the members who represent the ridings in the ottawa region, fly to ? florida.

MARG MM
said

Hopefully these cuts will be made, and we should get to know which MP's from all parties vote against them. Oh and Debbie...if we kicked these bums out of office they would only be replaced with a much worse "set of bums" and we've already been through that!! Be careful what you wish for.

PBW
said

I suppose that, since MP's are accountable at the ballot box they feel they should not be when it comes to their expenses. Not so. They are publicly paid officials, just like government employees, and should have to publicly account for their expenses.

Pip
said

OK, we've had to do it before and will have to again: THEY must do more with less. If the nation has to tighten its belt, so must its elected representatives. It's called leading by example. Excuses of not being able to do their job properly don't cut it.

Dorian
said

I would like to see a 50% reduction in spending. Starting with MP pensions. Also no helicopter, submarine or fighter jet purchases.

Dave in Edm
said

What a scam, over the tenure of the Conservatives in power the Parliament budget has nearly doubled in size and now they want to look good by cutting that back by 10%... Lets not forget about the 30 new MP's that Harper wants to bring in for the next election, I'm sure the budget will go back to normal once he has cut health care and social services...

Tired in Barrie
said

They party like the money's free and we freeze in the dark and eat dog food. Canada, the next 3rd world country. Next you will want to euthanize the old to save on the pensions you might have to give them. Ops, I guess I shouldn't give them idea's

JAMES
said

the names of the mp's who are against these cuts should be posted for us the voters to see.

Cream Pie
said

Here in the private sector our wages haven't increased no more than 2% maximum a year if we're lucky. More and more is taken away from us and we are told to work harder and be more efficient and produce more with less. If we can do our jobs that way than I am sure a few MP's will be able to do the same thing. Maybe cut back on their food bills, a few of them look as if they've spent a little too much time snacking and eating.

Danny
said

Oh great wise one MR Pye Chartt, please post a comment. We are all waiting for the wisdom of the great Conservative soothsayer.

Doug
said

MP's are normally not at all bothered by what costs the taxpayers incur on their behalf, what extras fees are charged in indirect taxation or cuts in services to the taxpayer.

The government must cut their cost to us in a similar manner as they do to other areas that they control.

They should be directed to do so by the Prime Minister.

Larry in Winnipeg
said

C'mon Members of Parliament ! It is called leadership ! If you want to cut back on federal spending, citizens will find it a whole lot easier to swallow if you lead the way. Don't stop with the budgets - dig into your pension plan BEFORE you tinker with OAS. Yes OAS needs to be dealt with, but fair is fair.

Saskmike
said

This is a scary day. Since when does Intelligent Liberal sound like Prof. Pye Chart ... Very scary indeed!! Are they one and the same?????

Ben1
said

Why you the Politician can't lead by example. People...the Canadian people are not stupid. The state of our economic mess right now has been predicted for a long time by regular Canadian people and even...I'm sure and I know by the politicians. Something needs to be done, a lot of people will be suffering because of your greed, selfishness and power hungry you thought you deserve...NOW LOOK. Be a LEADER MR./MRS. Politician and take the cut like everybody else in this land. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

john messom creston bc
said

i really feel sorry for the mp in ottawa for the government is going to cut their budget these poor people only make $157 .731 a years so their wages is going to be frozen at $157.731 for a few years these poor people how are they going to live their round flight is going to be cut from 64 to 52 a years plus they wont be able to fly business flight anymore they will have to fly the same as the rest of canadian do and now they say that they wont be able to do their job proper well i dont know what job they are talking about because now they do nothing canadian let not feel sorry for these sucker there is lot of people in canada no even making $30.000 dollar a years so what do these mp have to cry about talking about their round trip flight that they get free and now they are crying because it is being cut from 64 flight to 52 well if they want to fly after their 52 free flight is over then i guess they they will have to take the money for their flight from their stupid saluary of $157,731 that make these people dont deserve to make this amount of money and it does not matter what party you are for they dont care for you they are showing it now all they care about their money when it is being touch what a bunch of jack ass

Kojak
said

I'll believe it when I see it. "They" have been saying it for years but the debts and tax increases and inflation just keep growing. Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies.

Bill B
said

What I don't get is why they have to always fly to Ottawa. There are more economical ways to travel. Just as i have to travel to work, I have to pay for my gas, my insurance and my amintenace. My company doesn't reimburse me for these expenses. Let's be real here. There is no need for politicians to fly. Theres trains, buses and car pooling. Aside from that they barely work half the year anyways, so why do they require 52 flights? Why not 26. Either way you look at it, it's unbelievable. They think they're Gods! It's too bad we as taxpayers fund this. Since we do, we should have more say and they should have more accountability to us. Thats logical!

John Lethbridge
said

This will be the time that Harper and Company need to force their MPs into line. Harper is pushing for some tough measures, and he needs to set by example. It is time for everybody to write to their MPs asking them to work together with the government to cut parliamentary spending.

JGL in Sask
said

With all the negative comments on here you would think we live in a socialistic country. Harper and Flaherty will cut some of their perks but not all of them. If they don't do a thing to parliamentary spending I am quite ok with it as I believe the right wing conservatives are doing the best thing for the country....better than having the liberals back right folks?

Karl in YYC
said

I disagree that 52 trips a year is excessive for an MP. If I were an MP in Ottawa, far away from my riding, I think I'd like to return to my riding to have face time with my constituents on a regular basis (Parliamentary schedule permitting of course). Maybe not every week, but several times per month. I do agree that business class is a perk MPs could learn to live without. Either that, or allow an MP to have a business class seat in place of two allotted trips. I do believe that MPs should get a decent salary because it's difficult for some people to put their regular career on full stop and try to resume again when they are no longer holding public office. Having said that, it should not be allowed for a politician to leave their job and go work for the industry they represented while in government. This makes it too tempting to govern according to the wishes of industry rather than the needs of Canadians.

chris Owen Sound
said

Cut ----- CLAWBACK MPs Pensions would save Canada billions, They are doing it to Veterans why not put up MPs or shut up . Take their pensions cutback or decrease their Pensions Make MPs serve a minimum like the RCMP and CDN Forces thet CLAWBACK their Pensions A minimum of 20 years would make a lot of MPs think twice..

Markus
said

Everyone else is making cuts, WHY NOT THEM TOO ?

Jim - North Saanich, BC
said

I say tough - suck it up and live with reality. We are still spending more to support government that we are generating in revenues and cutting expenses is essential. MP's are paid salaries well above those most of them would earn in the real world and the frills and their "allowable expenses" are well beyond those that would be the standard in any business in which I have ever been involved in. I agree with the comment 30% would be a good starting figure, not he 10% proposed.

Debbie
said

All those perks enjoyed by MPs should be considered deemed taxable benefits and they should be declared as income and taxed accordingly. As our leaders they should be leading by example starting right now. Where is the transparency and accountability Harper & co. promised? Or was that only cheap talk? The Conservatives are the biggest crooks in the country and they plan to commit elder abuse by cutting OAS. Kick the bums out of office come next election.

glenn
said

Typical politicians. cut gov't, increase tax to low income families but when it comes to parliment and mp's offices, they want more and more, not cuts.

get real

Argggg
said

Don't worry guys. These cuts will just go directly into the PMO budget so he can hire more staffers in the already largest PMO in history. The whole country will be run out of there soon so why not?

Sick of BS
said

The MP s should seek by example and take a 40-50% paycut in salary and other budgets then they may have a higher moral rating.

Don
said

Who fell on their head at Parliament Hill? I can't be reading this story right!!!

Intelligent Liberal
said

It's strange to me how so many are commenting negatively towards what is actually one of the best political stories in a long time -the decision to reduce MP's operating expenses. OF COURSE many MP's would not lie that, since believe it or not they are also human, with families. Also for them, this is a JOB for which they spend many more hours working than most Canadians, under considerably more stress from always being "on duty" whenever they speak to anyone outside. Still, I expect there will be a number of MP's who will announce they support these cuts, since that would make good political points for them in public opinion.

sam williamson
said

What a lovely self-indictment by our Members of Parliament. Strongly united in their belief that they are untouchable. Sixty four round trip flights per year? Half of these guys are from Montreal or Toronto, and they want business class for a 45 minute flight. Good lord!

Perhaps we peasants could chip in a few bucks for some parliamentary wall hangings that read, Austerity Begins at Home.

Joe Mc
said

Another thought. My spouse worked for a non-for-profit organization that seen it's staff travel throughout the world for business (Olympic sport). Their staff worked with a supplier for flights and the points were collected as an organization, not specific to an individual. Can we not setup an account for the Govt, where the flying points go into a pool? This would avoid Ministers that fly around the world gathering points, then use them for their personal travel, including the upgrades in 1st class? Or open their points to people in their riding that need to fly for family related emergencies (friend's son in Vancouver in a confined to a bed for 6 months and she lives in Kingston), giving her 1 trip a month to see her young son? I know this would definitely cut down on the travel costs for sure.

tc
said

I cannot believe the audacity of these politicians in this country. They cannot agree on anything that will make the country better and all the opposition does is criticize everything the government does, no matter what it is. But when it comes to their own budgets and pocket books they suddenly can all agree. What a bunch of thieving scum.

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said

Let's be realistic, the majority of MPs would never get a job in private industry with the salary and benefits they enjoy as an MP because they lack the skills necessary to do so. Cutting their budgets and their gold plated pensions is a no brainer. They will still be much better off than 99% of Canadians. When I ran a department in private industry with a budget of several million $$ cuts were not a subject of debate but were madated from the top. And if you knew what was good for you, you made the tough decisions and cut costs. These MPs act like silly,petulent children and if we could we should fire them all and start over. They should get their heads out of their ass-s and get on with it.

Anne Smith
said

The proposed 10% reduction is a joke, a real joke. I am suggesting 30% cut immediately. Also, with 52 trips a year, this is one trip every single week, business class pardon me? They could cut these trips to 20 a year and notoby would know or feel the difference. Remember only the little people pay taxes and put up with this crap. They know this and do whaterver they want. As far as the crying female MP who was all sad about not spending enough time with her children? Well, Mam, you did not have to run for politics. There are other jobs out there, pick one of them.

island girl
said

I'd be interested to find out how large the savings would be for the gov't if any future MP's and MPP's had to generate their own pensions just as any self-employeed person would be. Let's find some transparency on this as well as all of their expenditures.

Regis in the Bambigilly
said

Wasn't it our fearless leader who campaigned on the promise of transparency and accountability? He sure said all the right things to sucker in the naive voter. That GST cut was the biggest window dressed vote grabber in the history of Canadian politics. With that extra 2% we would have no deficit and perhaps still a surplus that the previous government left us.

Senior taxpayer
said

Listen, Harper is just playing politics here to get the OAS cuts in, cut MP expenses by 10% and the public will buy into the OAS cuts.. They need the OAS funds to pay for their stupid decisions.. Why can't people see this. Tell the truth Mr. Harper and Flaherty.

Martha in Ottawa
said

Chimo has a great point! If we elect these people and they are supposed to be doing what is in the best interest of us with out tax dollars why isn't their spending transparent? I would love to see how to change this. Perhaps next time there is an election we as the voters make it known that if you have spending transparency at all levels of governemtn as part of your platform, you will be the party we will vote for. In a time where the economy is in a slump and thousands of jobs are getting cut, we are losing services, why is it we are told that it is the best for the country when they themselves cannot set a good example? I cannot afford a vacation, even in economy, and they are complaining about losing out on business/first class? Where are their priorities, it is not with the people that elected them.

What goes around, comes around!!
said

Note to ALL MP's, and the Prime Minister:

What goes around comes around. You want to affect our salaries, taxes, and benefits, YOU GO FIRST!

You guys got it easy, you get pensions after 6 years, while we work for 30 years to earn ours. Time for a reality check!!! When you guys work for 30 years, you get what we get. And if you want to increase the age, well, YOU FIRST!!

More Accountability
said

With 64 round-trip flights a year, that's more than one a week. MP's should have to account for every cent they get as an allowance or a perk. This would prevent incidents like Duceppe's using the money fraudulently! They should be like regular government employees who have to submit travel claims right to the penny. They should not be allowed to keep any perks at all. How do they pay their taxes if noone knows how much they make?

IslandGuy
said

This is going to be tough on the business of Ottawa- based espresso machine suppliers, personal masseuses, caterers and tailors.

Michael from the real world
said

Frankly I do not have a problem with MP's flying first-class. They have a tough job [especially those who have to travel far to return to their constituencies], much more so than citizens think. An MP's life is very hard on marriages, as well. There may other areas of expense that could be trimmed, though. What I think they should definitely do is publish their expenses--EVERY other section of Parliament has to, why not the Board of Internal Economy?

Ann
said

Well well see the true colours. Absolutely cut business class tickets - they cost a fortune, they can go economy just like the rest of us. And please, spare me the "I don't even notice the plane taking off because I'm already busy working in my business class seat, so I need that space". And, I suspect that in this day and age, more constituents connect with MPs via email than face to face. Also, I was astonished that their books are private - what kind of crap is that? Is this some old Soviet Union country? Open the damn books people....we are the ones that are paying for all of it.

Canadian Bob
said

To all of our MP's - Suck it up buttercups! Take the cuts and be thankful that taxpayers provide you with what you will still get given what you give back!

Right as Always
said

So typically pathetic. So in 5 years, this is the one and only issue that MPs from different parties can agree on? "Cut everyone but me. Take their pensions but not mine. Cut public servants benefits, but not my business class flight.". Yep, the Conservatives got us into this fiscal mess (absolutely undebiable), and poor ol' grandpa will bear the brunt. Heaven forbid the ones who actually got us into this mess suffer even a tiny bit for a solution. Pathetic!

simone
said

Just like pouting,petulant little children. Sorry little one's, no insult intended. You are children and are learning about life.If the rest of us have to watch our spending then so do the MP's. Their behaviour is an embarrassment to Canada.What about the "Little bonus cupboard" that allows them to buy a gift for a co worker if they think co worker is doing a good job. What is that all about. Don't work, are lazy, act like little kids, huge salaries ...what a great way to cheat and steal. Bunch of crooks regardless of party.Shame,shame on the lot of you

B in Ottawa
said

This is ridiculous. Parliament has to open its books and let Canadians see what they're doing with our money. All other government departments do it, so should our politicians. Stephen Harper should go further than he is. Cut Parliament's budget by 10%. Cut MPs salaries by 10%. Cut MP pensions by 10%. Office budgets, travel expenses, and hospitality costs... all cut by 10%. We are still running massive deficits as a country. Every government department should be cut by 10% including Parliament. I am a fiscal conservative, and if the Conservatives want to maintain the support of conservatives, they have to start acting like conservatives. Otherwise another Reform Party will shoot up in no time and we'll be back to the bad old days of the Liberals due to vote splitting. No Conservative wants that. So smarten up and share in the sacrifice.

Ann
said

MPs deserve to be paid a descent wage. If you don't pay well and have proper benefits then what kind of people are you going to attract to run for office.Think about it. FYI: I'm not an MP - just a citizen who wants educated and professionals for MPs.

Tired of Paying
said

Maybe Canadians should start showing thier disappointment in our Government by demonstrating more often.Look at other countries in which the civilians are being robbed they are standing up for thier rights and it might be time for the Canadian to do the same..Our Government lies and steals from the normal working Canadian while they line thier pockets with our money.They take away our Old Age Pension they cut our Health Care they raise our taxes,ENOUGH..Maybe we should support the Occupy demonstators and show the Government we have had enough..

Jack (Wpg)
said

Just goes to show that MPs, regardless of party affiliation, are a bunch of stereotypical "country club elites" who only have their own interests at heart.

Landro Lire
said

Austerity measures are coming for everyone - students &teachers = larger class-sizes, phased out fll day Kindergarten, cut-backs across the board BUT not for MPs only the plebeians.

Lorne
said

It's amazing how much ruckus can be raised when the "shoe's on the other foot".It's about time that MPs' have to sustain cuts in their perks and flights, along with a possible freeze in salary.Canadians have been having to cut back on their expenditures for the last several years in order to just survive. Salary increases have been few and far between.Now, a reduction in MPs' pensions would also be a step in the right direction.MPs' can also stop "showboating" in Parliament and get down to do the job they were elected to do - run this country properly!!!!!!!

Shawn in Mtl
said

This disgusts me! I think this should be put to a vote, but the Tax Payers. Pure and Simple. Let the Canadian PUBLIC decide this one. Bunch of spoiled brats! I've already sent a nasty letter to my MP.

Robert B
said

Now we are finding out why many MPs run for office... its for the perks ,not to serve their constituants!!!! As far as first class tickets many of their constituants can't afford First class why should their taxes pay for the MPS. Flights cut down to 52 per year, well there is an easy solution stay in your constituancies for longer than one day , 2 days should fix that giant problem. Most members, of All parties are against the cut to their perks.... Now we know most politicians are frauds and Public welfare cases, and they wonder why we dislike and distrust most of them. Go for it MPs serve yourselfs instead of the people you've just added another nail to the coffin you're building. Just as an after thought, another big cut would be about 40 MP positions all you have to do is work about 100 days a year instead of 50, that should fill in the gap.

AJ C
said

Last time I checked, MPs were not forced to take a seat in parliament; they volunteered through elections. If they are not satisfied with the conditions of their " voluntary duty of service to Canada", they are invited to step down and allow another proud citzien take their place.

Janet
said

What a surprise. They are good at enforcing cuts on everyone else but as soon as the target hits home they are up in arms. What a surprise. I should have the honour of flying just once in my lifetime on business class. Give me a break. And they call themselves leaders!

Russ
said

I don't always agree with this government, but this is a step in the right direction. This is a long time coming and its about time something is done to combat this ever growing problem of MP over-spending. Make the cuts deep and you will see your approval rating go up. Time to clean house, and what better place to start then your own.

Bob in Calgary
said

cut out the perks all together

Games
said

Their fighting for votes, but this is just an illusion.

Chris V
said

And are we suppose to be surprised by this? These are people who have been elected to fight for democracy, to better the lives of the citizens of this country. Yet, when it comes down to being held accountable for their own spending habits they stand up in unison to protect what should be public knowledge. What kind of leadership is that? The Government preaches to Canaidans about being finically responsible, yet Parliament refuses to be held accountable for their own behavior when it comes to finical responsibility. I think it is the right of every Canadian Citizen to know where their beloved parliament spends tax payer�s money. Then perhaps this country will finally have leaders who lead by example, placing them in a far better position to preach financial responsibility to the masses.

dan
said

What a bunch we have to lead us. They make me sick wathing them in action.Srew everyone but leave us poor m.p.'s alone.I have lost all respect for them

Chris
said

We really need to get ready for the next 10 years! The socialism scheme will ruins us if we keep spending. Everyone need to cut! If the south don't smart up! we will be for 20 years...

Liz
said

"a drop in return flights from 64 to 52"...last time I checked Parliament doesn't even sit 52 weeks out of the year so 52 free round trip flights STILL means you can travel to and from the riding weekly..how is this an unreasonable cut?

ARG
said

Three words:Lead By Example

Joan in Real World
said

To all CON MPs who were prepared to slash everyone's budget but their own... now is the time to put your money where your mouth is. -- As an aside, this means nothing if you don't also cut pensions, which is the greatest of costly entitlements

The View from Niagara
said

Not enough!! As a Conservative, I'd like to see major reforms to the MP's pensions. There's no justifications for working class Canadians to shell out $28 for every $1 contributed by MP's. Let's stop running a country club for MP's once and for all!

One Canadian
said

It is incredible how MP's from all three parties are putting asside there differences to work together to save there salaries and budgets, from the Canadian people. - But ask them to help build a better tommorow for Canadians, and they won't even look at each other from across parliment. This is pure Hypocracy not Democracy, the complainning actions of these MP's has proven to be discusting... It seems that politicians only care about Canadians during an election, after that we become public enemy # 1.

Gerry
said

The C.B.C.allso needs a 10% cut.

Right Wing
said

Just like the book ,Animal Farm, it would appear that politicians believe that everyone is equal except members of parliament who are more equal than everyone else.

Anthony
said

Normally deeply divided, many MPs from across all three main federal political parties are united in their opposition to proposed cuts to parliamentary spending that could significantly affect the way they do their jobs...What else could we, the taxpayers expect from them ? That they would want to live like the rest of us ? And majority of them are not worth the money they are making to start with !

Bruce, Verdun
said

The best thing is to freeze MPs salaries where they are for the next five years. Then a 10% to 15% cut to their individual office budegets would be in order. There should also be a reduction in the benefits and perks and they should have to pay for their retirement just like the rest of us. The first place I would look at is the flights they're etitled to. I understand that their jobs take them away from family, but there are many people who have jobs that take them away from family and they don't have the free flights. If they're not happy with the cuts, let them get a job in the private sector. Oh wait, I forgot if they could get a job in the private sector, they would.

GCB Oromocto
said

MPs should certainly be treated as everyone else. It is not necessary to do all that travel because with todays technology they can be in touch from wherever they are.

Pat in Mississauga
said

Well, well, what a bad case of NIMBY. It should be 10% across the board and a serious reduction in their gold-plated pensions on top of it. The current system is not sustainable. You are cutting our pensions and expenses, now cut yours.

Mike R.
said

The public service is already feeling the cuts even though the "real cuts" have yet to come in (next budget) - I know a good number of "permanent" employees who got their layoff notices, so no whining from the MPs: The joyride is over, folks. You'll still be enjoying good salaries, a slightly reduced but substantial expense account, and a the "easiest-pension-to-qualify-for" while people will be losing their jobs, and fighting against thousands of people laid off at the same time for the crappy jobs that remain.

A Koster
said

I still remember when the company that I worked at, stopped stocking the coffee room with free cookies.. we still got free coffee but man.. that was traumatizing going cold turkey like that. At least these guys have only a 10% adjustment to make.. no PTSD involved here. But hell, if they don't make the numbers public.. are we even going to believe that they made these cuts?.. personally I think not.

Concerned Citizen
said

Someone was pleading, please don't cut my travel budget, because it means lesser visits to his constituency. Come to think of it, I only see the MPs for my area once or twice near the election time.I can't even get a decent reply on an email from them.I would vote for 20% reduction of their expenses

MIkeW
said

A lot of them are upset. They don't want to have fewer flights, they don't want to lose their business class flights, they don't want to see cuts to their office budgets and surprise surprise, the opposition parties agree with them," Fife told CTV's Canada AM. This statement is a joke. If you dont like it then get out of politics. Seems the PM wants to reign in spending but plebes dont. Also cut salaries by 10 % and pensions by 50 %. Do the same with the public sector employees, we are in dire times. The private sector has endured cuts for the last 4 years

Chimo
said

I am not familiar with the process, otherwise I would start a petition for opening the books. It is our money being spent and, I am sure in some cases wasted.I for one would like to know how it is being spent.

MJ
said

How about lowering their pensions to what a person in the real world would receive!

I.S Logan
said

As for traveling business class...MPs will meet more of their constituents traveling coach (like the majority of us have to)

senior taxpayer
said

Harper what a hypocrite, it wants to cut MP expenses and his gorvernment increases parliament by 30 seats in 4 years. I don't recall him discussing OAS cuts in closed meeting with MPS. Lets get serious. Again just trying to score policical points. He realy thinks canadians are stupid. Well conservatives your reckless conservative majority government at work for you.

Joe Mc
said

Wow, again the departments under Parliament will be cut again. Over the last 2 years they cut 15-20 % of their budget, which was mandated by HARPO. The worse expenditures not captured here are in the PMO, which have ballooned over 300% since HARPO has been in POWER. This department is full of staff conducting market research, speech writers that only use specific wording/messages to impress or scare Canadians, and of course their �special advisors� or friends that put HARPO in Power. Federal Minister expenses must be huge, Minister �soap box� Baird travels around the world trying to gain support for causes that are personal, more than advancing the economic needs of Canadians. Other ministers travel to deliver messages how they figure the previous government wronged their party and some Canadians. I really wonder what the exact budget is, since there are no mechanisms to track the HARPER Govt expenses? Can we include the costs that HARPO imposed upon Canadians with 3 elections (yes, he was the one to call them) @$300M each? I totally fear that the only cuts will happen to NON-CONs and not where the cuts should be. We do need budget for them to travel back to their towns to be with constituents, but travelling to corners of Canada where they have no business is questionable (photo opps for the PMO). Unfortunately, it will be further cuts to the working staff, then we can complain no one is helping us.

A Concerned Canadian
said

Budget cuts are required to eliminate the deficit. MP salaries, budgets and pensions should be reduced, even halved, to fight the deficit. Anyone who thinks they work hard are kidding themselves. MPs are lazy, their staff are lazy and their entourage are lazy. This is no longer the era of exponential economic growth that we saw in the late 90s and much of the 2000s. Canadians are hurting and MPs must set the example for austerity, principles and honour.

James, Ontario
said

I agree with Robert Fife. They should open their books just like has been done by many municipal councils with great results.

Harold, Caledonia
said

I think that no MP should be able to collect a pension until he/she has reached the age of 55. The ability to collect a pension after 6 yrs of service should stand, but they cannot collect until age 55. This will leave more money in Pension Plan to fund it and pay down the deficit.....

vince in kingston
said

I hope this issue doesn't just fad away and is continuously brought up in the news....some of these MP's are of the do as I say not as I do mentallity.....if they are brought to the front and held accountable then things may be different in the halls of Ottawa.....Why is it OK to tell the general public to cut and slash everywhere, but when it hits home the MP's get their backs up and dig in for a fight????Keep this story at the forefront until a decision is made......

KJS
said

I sincerely hope the MPs are as concerned about cuts to Old Age Security as they are about their own budgets. I have worked and paid taxes all my adult life and never complained about any funding the government allocated to support seniors. After all, they worked their entire lives too. I can only hope this government and the younger generation in Canada will keep this as a priority. Programs in support pf seniors is the WRONG place to make cuts, and will not bode well for the future of our country. The taxes paid all those years by the baby boomer generation was used to support seniors and all the other social programs this country enjoys. Since there were so many of us, there must have been a surplus of funding during the years the boomers were actively employed, since the senior population was much smaller than the working population then.. Why was there no nothing put aside to support us now that we are in that position? People need to sit up and take notice. This is extremely unsettling!

James, Ontario
said

Any of them that would support other cuts yet not accept this one are disgusting hypocrites. It's 10%, you're telling me that they can't find 10% in their budget? There is no way that some of these new "child" MPs that came out of the last election deserve $150K, how about scaling back pay on the less experienced members? I think about 66% would be reasonable for the very least experienced.

RonPaul2012
said

If the government wants to make a 10% across the board cuts, then cutting all MPs salaries by 10% is perfectly fair. That means instead of earning $150,000 a year, they'll make $135,000. I don't see what the problem is.

Sefira
said

The first and foremost cuts, to all major politicians should be their wages, perks, benefits and expenditures! If they really wanted to prove to their respected paymasters, the taxpayers, they should cutback, freeze and eliminate totally all benefits that they gave themselves. As their paymasters, the taxpayers, do not received.!

I.S Logan
said

The upcoming budget will have absolutely no credibility if it doesn't include a minimum 10% cut to Parliament's budget. MPs, Senators and staff have to bear the same pain as every other federal department is about to feel.

The Artful Codger
said

Hmmm seems to me...the public is now getting into the MP's kitchen and it is high time.Listened to an MP town hall yesterday and the first question dealt with MP pensions and the MP suggested that salaries were frozen and he wasn't sure of a lot of the details of the pension itself and it was certainly clear he had no intention to pursue anything to do with the topic. I think most Canadians will applaud the initiative to create more transparity and accountability in this area of spending especially those of us from Ontario where the layers of the onion are being peeled back after the release of the Drummond Report yesterday.

mark from breslau
said

The MP's don't want to live with the realities of the rest of country. Clearly being an MP is more fun when your spending other people's money. If you want to be a big spender, just get a job in the Prime Minister's Office. It appears this is the only place in government where the rules many be different. If the government had made better choices in the past concerning revenues and expenditures, they would be in a better position to make better spending decisions today. We are all going to pay for these choices for a long time. Fun for us.

Matt in NB
said

they we're happy to cut the funding for veterans, hospitals, school, and pensions. But when asked to give up part of their own budget that's a different story. I guess Fiscally Conservative doesn't apply to their own budget.

Larry I ontario
said

This proves how out of touch MP's are with reality and how out of step they are with the public. As far as i am concerned they have not cut enough. They should claw back their salaries and pensions too!

Intelligent Liberal
said

MP's across all three parties are united in their opposition to these cuts. No doubt not ALL MP's, some will recognize the need for these cuts. Still, for Harper to be suggesting such an unpopular measure gives him one upward tick in the leadership role.

Steve T
said

Ah, finally something that unites our MPs. Pathetic, isn't it? Every MP should be ashamed of themselves.

Where are the leaders?
said

MP's don't mind cuts for you and I but take away their "entitlements" or any of their generous pension and other benefits and they wont have any of it. Too bad we no longer have principled men and women who will do what is right for the country and lead by example.

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Labour Minister Lisa Raitt speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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