MLA’s across BC decided not to take a pay raise that was set to kick in today.

Speaking on The Jeff Andreas Show, Kamloops South MLA Todd Stone says the decision was taken to each of the caucuses and it was a pretty brief discussion that was unanimously supported.

“It was a 2.3 per cent increase that scheduled to take place today,” he said. “It was an absolute no brainer to say ‘No, we’re not taking that increase particularly at a time when everyone is tightening their belts.”

“This decision was taken to each of the caucuses. I can’t speak for the Green and NDP caucuses, but I know what the end result was in their caucuses, it was the same as ours. It was a very brief discussion and again unanimously supported by each MLA of the legislature.”

Stone says if it went ahead with the increase, he would have expected to hear some backlash and it would have been deserved.

“No question about it and rightfully so,” he added. “Talk about tone-deaf. Thankfully I had no appetite for that, nor had Peter Milobar, nor did any of the other 87 MLA’s in the legislature.”

Stone also gave kudos to Kamloops MP Cathy McLeod was is opposed to a similar increase for federal politicians. McLeod told NL News that she is planning to donate that pay increase to local charitable causes.

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