Unicorn Sighting: Politicians Tightening Their Own Belts

By Kevin Gaudet —— Bio and Archives March 4, 2010

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OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) responded to the Speech From the Throne applauding the government for adopting measures to restrict some areas of government spending starting with freezing MP and cabinet pay.

CTF Federal Director, Kevin Gaudet, said “it’s good to see politicians leading by example because it’s so rare. This gives them the moral authority to make the serious spending reductions that will be necessary to balance the budget.” The Throne Speech announced measures that adopt some key CTF recommendations from its pre-budget submission, including:

1. freezing pay for the Prime Minister, MPs, Cabinet Minister and Senators;
2. freezing Ministers’ office budgets, calling for the same from MPs; and,
3. freezing departmental operating budgets (salaries, administration and overhead).

Gaudet concluded, “fiscal restraint starts at home. It is good to see that the government recognizes that economic challenges should not be limited to those who aren’t elected MPs.”