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Pay for defeated MLAs not consistent with 'just society'

Dear editor, A defeated member of the legislature may receive up to 15 month’s pay totalling $101,859.

Dear editor,

Now let’s get this straight!

A defeated member of the legislature may receive up to 15 month’s pay totalling $101,859, which is $6,790 per month until she/he finds a job and even then any salary/wage earned is topped up to reach $101,000 annually. (Times-Colonist, June 5).

We have employment insurance — other job losers receive payments, depending on their work record after a waiting period of six weeks, for a limited time. Why are defeated MLAs not treated as any other worker?

Our citizens who have disabilities, mental or physical, receive housing and living benefits that are minuscule compared with this largesse.

A just society should give a level playing field to allow all citizens to reach their potential. This legislative payout, combined with the Senate expense shenanigans in Ottawa and the politicians’ pensions are offensive, even obscene.

Perhaps having our representatives receive the median wage level during office and EI benefits on defeat would bring everyday reality into their lives and the legislative actions they take. Political office should be public service and not a cushy job for life.

Joy Johnston,

Comox