B.C. Interior MLAs receive ‘generous’ pensions

It may come as a surprise that once a MLA is in office for six years, they are entitled to, what’s been called, “gold plated pensions” for life. And it may also come as a surprise that two elected officials from the B.C. Interior will be among the richest earners when it comes to pensions after they retire this May.

According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Shuswap MLA George Abbot’s pension will start at $89,084 a year while Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff will be at $90,992.

Both have been elected officials for 17 years, holding a variety of positions including Speaker of the House and Cabinet posts.

The only person who receives more is former premier Gordon Campbell at $98,175 for his 15 years of service.

“Bill Barisoff is going to walk out of office, and walk away with a $91,000 pension that will grow every year he’s alive,” said Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “The problem with this is that it’s higher than 50% of the average household incomes in Penticton.”

In order to qualify for a pension, a MLA must be in office for a least six years.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says for every dollar a MLA contributes to their pension, taxpayers put in four. They say it’s a reversal of policy from the 1990s when BC Liberals wanted it one-to-one.

UBC-O Political Science expert Wolf Depner believes the public is justified in being critical of such payouts, especially when many are struggling to make ends meet. But he reminds people elected officials also have massive responsibilities.

“If you are the premier of the province, you are the head of a major corporation that comes with a position of great responsibility, a great deal of stress,” said Depner. “It’s still a very difficult job. It involves a great deal of travel, great deal of sacrifice.”

Depner says until this perception, the disconnect between the public and elected officials changes, anger about such payouts will continue to grow.

Global Okanagan contacted both Bill Barisoff and George Abbott’s office but none of our calls were returned.

Twenty-three MLAs will not be running again this May. Most of them will receive lifetime pensions.