“It defies common sense that a Metro Vancouver mayor is making $150,000 more than the minister responsible for health or public safety. No local politician should be out-earning the people running entire ministries.”
- Tony Luck, MLA for Fraser-Nicola and Official Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs and Local Government
MERRITT, BC: BC Conservative MLA Tony Luck is joining calls to rein in excessive mayoral salaries in Metro Vancouver, following a recent report by former Solicitor General Kash Heed recommending that municipal salaries be aligned with those of provincial cabinet ministers.
“Taxpayers are tired of seeing public officials put themselves first,” said Luck. “At a time when families are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and basic services, it’s unacceptable that some mayors are pocketing $150,000 more than provincial cabinet ministers.”
The report, commissioned by Metro Vancouver itself, highlights the growing pay gap between municipal leaders and senior government officials. Some mayors are now earning well over $300,000 annually, far surpassing the compensation of provincial cabinet ministers, who shoulder responsibility for entire ministries.
“Let’s be clear: public service is about responsibility, not entitlement,” Luck said. “If the NDP government is serious about affordability, it should start with leadership by example. That includes municipal officials.”
Luck is calling on the province to adopt Heed’s recommendation that mayoral salaries be capped at the level of provincial cabinet ministers and that Metro Vancouver overhaul its compensation structure.
“British Columbians expect fairness, not excess,” said Luck. “It’s time for real compensation reform.”
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Media contact:
Jack Alarie, Communications Manager
Jack.Alarie@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-1142
