Aligning MLA compensation with public sector best practices

The Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services has approved updates to MLA compensation and caucus budgets, to better align with public sector best practices.

Among the changes approved at committee, MLAs will see their pay adjusted at the same rate as the provincial public service, the introduction of a modest transition allowance, and a readjustment of the calculation for caucus budgets to account for all MLAs, not just private members. These changes, effective April 1, 2025, will update compensation frameworks and provide MLAs with the support needed to serve their constituents.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve Albertans as their elected Members of the Legislative Assembly. We take Albertans’ trust seriously in carrying out our duties and managing their taxpayer dollars. These updates will ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the way Members of the Legislative Assembly are compensated,” said Chief Government Whip Shane Getson. “We’ve taken a careful and measured approach, guided by recommendations and best practices from comparable jurisdictions.”

Alberta remains an outlier when it comes to MLA pensions as the only province where MLAs are not eligible to receive a pension. Alberta MLAs have not been eligible to enroll in a pension plan since 1993. MLAs can choose to receive a contribution to their RRSP that is partially matched. That will not change. However, when an eligible MLA leaves office, they will be entitled to a transition allowance of one month per year of service, up to a maximum of six months. Former MLAs receiving a transition allowance will receive payments monthly.

This recognizes that MLAs also do not qualify for Employment Insurance benefits. The transition allowance is a benefit in place to allow MLAs to transition to the private sector and will be aligned with the Conflict of Interest Act that prevents ministers from working for several months after leaving public office.

The changes approved by the Committee also better aligns Alberta with other provinces, although Alberta MLA benefits remain lower. MLAs in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec are eligible to receive transition allowances of up to 12 months, while MLAs in BC are eligible to receive a transition allowance of up to 15 months.

Finally, all MLAs will be accounted for when it comes to caucus budgets. The current system distinguishes between private members and members of Cabinet, allocating funding to caucus only for private members. With this change, members of Executive Council will be included in the caucus budget at half the rate of private members. This change aligns with other provinces including BC, where MLAs who serve on Executive Council are included in the government caucus budget.

“These changes reflect the commitment of United Conservatives to serving their communities,” said Mr. Getson. “Every decision was considered to ensure we are meeting the needs of MLAs and their constituents.”