The B.C. Liberal caucus has approved recommended pay hikes that would give MLAs a salary increase of 29 per cent and Premier Gordon Campbell a boost of 53 per cent.

If approved in the legislature, MLAs would receive an additional $22,000 a year and the premier would get an extra $65,000 annually.

Premier Gordon Campbell said the raises are necessary 'to attract good people to public life.'
(CBC)

A three-member independent panel appointed by the premier has also recommended the resumption of a pension plan for MLAs that they would be eligible to receive after less then two terms — six years — in office.

The pay and pension recommendations have been met with negative public reaction. But Campbell said the raises are necessary.

"Taxpayers are never happy, I don't think, when salaries are dealt with, but it's something that we have to do if we are to attract good people to public life and not punish people for, you know, becoming a part of public life."

Campbell said no elected official likes dealing with this issue, but added the public may not realize how much work politicians put in.
 
"Again on both sides of the house and from all political parties, the sacrifices they make and their families make is often not recognized." 

Campbell said the pay-raise legislation is being drafted. He also said it will be a free vote when it comes up in the legislature.

NDP Leader Carole James has already said New Democrat MLAs will not support the pay increase, and that if the Liberals pass the legislation, her MLAs will refuse it.

Liberal house leader Mike de Jong said that may be possible, as the legislation could include an opting-out clause for those who don't want the pay increase and pension.