New Brunswick MP Takes Stand Against Parliamentary Pay Increase
In a notable act of political dissent, a New Brunswick Member of Parliament has publicly refused a scheduled salary increase, labeling it as "distasteful" during a period of widespread economic hardship for Canadians. Mike Dawson, the Conservative representative for Miramichi—Grand Lake, has formally requested that the House of Commons freeze his compensation before parliamentarians are due to receive an annual raise on April 1.
A Matter of Conscience Amid Economic Strain
Dawson articulated his position clearly, stating that he cannot in good conscience accept a wage hike while everyday citizens grapple with the escalating cost of living. In a letter provided to media outlets, he emphasized that working individuals across the country have not seen substantial raises in decades, making the parliamentary increase particularly objectionable. This move, he noted, is currently a solitary stance among his colleagues.
The legislated pay raise amounts to a 4.2 per cent increase, which translates to an additional $8,811 for MPs earning the base salary of $209,800. This adjustment is indexed to wage settlements in the private sector, as per House of Commons regulations. However, the financial impact varies significantly for those in leadership roles.
Varied Increases Across Parliamentary Roles
- Committee chairs, with a current salary of $223,900, will see a proportional increase.
- Cabinet ministers, earning $309,700, are set for a larger raise.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney, drawing $419,600, will receive an additional $17,623.
Dawson, a first-time federal MP who transitioned from provincial politics last spring, brings a unique perspective to the issue. His background as a career drywaller and painter, coupled with his entrepreneurial journey, informs his stance on fiscal responsibility and community representation.
Roots in Humble Beginnings
Growing up in Chelmsford, just south of Miramichi, Dawson faced early adversity when his father passed away during his high school years. He left school to support his family, eventually establishing his own successful business. In a recent Facebook post, he reflected on this path, asserting that financial gain was never his motivation for entering politics.
"I hope that for those who know me, you know that I did not get into politics for the money," Dawson wrote. "After working hard as an entrepreneur for many years, and now that my sons are old enough to manage it while I am mostly absent, I turned to politics as a way to build upon my family’s deep roots in our community."
He further highlighted that during his campaign for the 2025 federal election, not a single constituent raised the issue of MP salaries needing adjustment. This feedback reinforced his decision to reject the raise, emphasizing that in times of affordability crises, accepting increased compensation from taxpayer dollars is untenable.
Dawson's action underscores a broader conversation about parliamentary compensation and its alignment with the economic realities faced by Canadians, setting a precedent for accountability in public service.
