EDMONTON, AB (December 9, 2011): As the Redford government threatens to raise taxes to yet another deficit budget next year, retiring MLAs will receive extravagant taxpayer funded severance packages before next year’s election, the Wildrose Caucus said today.

Under the current severance formula, retiring MLAs will cost Alberta taxpayers more than $8 million before the next year according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

“Most Albertans could never dream of payouts like some of these MLAs will get, yet they are the ones who are footing the bill for them. It’s just not right,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said. “Albertans deserve a government that puts taxpayers first.”

In March 2011, the PC government voted down Wildrose Finance Critic Rob Anderson’s private members legislation the Legislative Assembly (Transition Allowance) Amendment Act.  The bill would have replaced the current transition allowance, which provides MLAs three months pay for every year served, with a retirement allowance not exceeding one month’s pay for every year served up to a maximum of 12 months.

“Government MLAs are already some of the highest paid provincial representatives in the country, it’s time for leadership to make some sacrifices instead of asking Alberta taxpayers to pick up the tab for their extravagant severance,” Anderson said. “The Wildrose proposal is more in line with private sector standards and, most importantly, respects taxpayers.”

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.

-  30 -

For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:

Brad Tennant, Wildrose Caucus