The fact that Campbell is willing to give his top advisors a massive pay hike while refusing to raise the minimum wage is proof that the premier is arrogant and out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens, says North Coast MLA Gary Coons.
Campbell ‘s Deputy Minister could potentially get a $105,000 raise out of the changes, which became effective August 1st. Other Deputy Ministers could see increases of $79,000 per year. Coons is joining NDP Leader, Carole James, in calling for the massive increases to be rolled back.
“It would take someone working for the minimum wage 21 years to make what Campbell’s Deputy Minister could make next year,” said Coons. “The premier is more concerned with lining the pockets of his friends than with making sure ordinary people can make ends meet.”
The Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives recently came out with a report that shows that workers in British Columbia have not shared the province’s economic fortunes. The report noted an increase in low quality, low wage temporary employment over the last few years.
“Campbell’s government made changes to the Employment Standards Act that reduced incomes and economic security for working people in this province,” said Coons. “Yet, he lavishes raises on his top executives that are more than what most British Columbians make in an entire year.”
The same deputies received wage increases ranging from eight to 40 per cent just two years ago. At the time, the Campbell government promised there wouldn’t be more such raises until 2010.
“Campbell has not only broken his promise to British Columbians with this raise, he has demonstrated his contempt for the ordinary hard working people who made this province what it is today,” said Coons. “I encourage everyone to write the premier and tell him to roll back these raises.”