Its that time again.
Every July, the provinces Ministry of Finance releases its Public Accounts report, which includes, among other financial details, the salaries, expenses and allowances for members of the legislative assembly. (Or, in simpler terms, the taxpayer money politicians spend on themselves.)
The reports release date is unknown. Its a closely guarded secret. Maybe sometime near the end of this week. But a quick look at last fiscal years report provides a hint of whats to come.
For example. In addition to her salary, Moira Stilwell, B.C. Liberal MLA for Vancouver-Langara, collected $4,222 for living expenses, $5,353 for travel expenses, and a $753 parliamentary secretary allowance in 2010/11. But thats not all.
Because Stilwell was a cabinet minister until November 2010, she collected an additional minister salary of $32,107 and additional expenses ($10,875 living, $46,450 travel) for a grand total of $201,619. Travel expenses include hotels and food.
Well, there were a couple of big trips, explained Stilwell, during a phone interview last week. I went to China and Vietnam for the purposes of promoting international education.
In 2010, as Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development, Stilwell flew to Israel, staying mainly in Tel Aviv, to observe biotech, farming and water management systems. It was to understand how a country with no energy, no water has figured out how to use brains and capitalism and all sorts of things to survive.
For local travel, MLAs typically use Harbour Air or Helijet. A one-way Harbour Air ticket from Coal Harbour to Victoria Harbour costs $176. However, according to Harbour Air management, government employees take advantage of frequent-flyer and package discounts.
During a typical week when the legislatures in-session, Colin Hansen, B.C. Liberal MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, flies to Victoria on Monday morning and returns to Vancouver Thursday night.
According to Hansen, who was first elected in 1996, his travel time has dropped with the rise of technology. A lot more in terms of legislative agenda and government agenda is being done by video-conferencing and conference calls, he said.
As finance minister during most of the 2010/11 fiscal year, Hansen received a combined $40,842 for his travel/living expenses. He flew around B.C., speaking to chambers of commerce and pressing flesh with business folk. While in Victoria, Hansen lives in his one-bedroom condo near the legislature. His $1,000 per month housing allowance helps pay his condo costs (mortgage, taxes, fees), and by extension, his condo equity. Hansens not the only MLA with a condo in Victoria and hes not breaking any rules.
Across the aisle, where there are no travelling cabinet ministers, 2010/11 expense numbers arent quite as high. See Jenny Kwan, NDP MLA for VancouverMount Pleasant ($101,859 salary, $14,563 living, $25,811 travel, $4,437 allowance). Kwan failed to return calls from the Courier about this story.
Every now and then, usually around Public Accounts time, interest in MLA compensation peaks. Like last July, when we learned about former premier Gordon Campbells $98,175 per year pension.
MLA pensions are reserved for those who serve at least six years in office. However, when Kash Heed, embattled B.C. Liberal MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview, officially resigns next May after four years in Victoria, hell receive $127,324 over 15 months in addition to extended health and dental benefits.
The Courier called Heeds constituency office and left a phone message. An unidentified woman returned the call. Her cellphone signal was weak but the message was clear.
You called Kash Heeds office?
Yes, whos this?
He cant speak with you right now. Hes out of the country.
Whered he go?
Ill tell him you called when he gets back.
Cant you tell me where he went?
No.
Why not?
He didnt tell me I could tell people where he went.
Click.
As of the Couriers deadline, Heeds whereabouts remain a mystery. If its government business, well know sometime next July.
Twitter: @MarkHasiuk
