Members of the Legislative Assembly can claim $270 more for accommodations each month after the Members’ Services Committee voted to increase the allowance on Nov. 26.
The committee has 10 members, six from the United Conservative Party and four from the New Democratic Party. The UCP members voted to increase the allowance and the NDP members voted against it.
Christina Gray, Alberta NDP Leader of the Opposition and House Leader called the increase inappropriate.
"While Albertans struggle with rent, mortgages, grocery prices, and car insurance, these UCP MLAs chose to give themselves a raise. They thought they could hide it by increasing the accommodations allowance," said Gray.
The accommodations allowance is available to all MLAs who live 60 kilometres or more from the Legislature building, as well as representatives who live closer but work more than 12 hours on a given day.
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr does not sit on the committee, but defended the decision as ensuring he and other MLAs can effectively carry out their duties.
“For MLAs like myself, who represent constituencies far from Edmonton, commuting daily is simply not feasible. Cold Lake, where I reside, is a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the legislature, meaning a seven-hour round trip daily. Additionally, relocating permanently to Edmonton is not an option, as it’s essential for me to live in the constituency to remain accessible to the people I represent. This adjustment ensures MLAs can fulfill their responsibilities in Edmonton while continuing to serve their constituents effectively at home,” said Cyr.
Cyr also noted the allowance has not been updated since 2012, while the Consumer Price Index has increased 32.41 per cent in that same time.
“Even with this adjustment, Alberta’s accommodation allowance remains below that of other jurisdictions such as Ontario and the House of Commons,” said Cyr.
