Tell Ottawa: No More Automatic MP Raises While Canadians Fall Behind
Members of Parliament receive automatic salary increases every April 1, even as ordinary Canadians struggle with rising prices and stagnant wages. Right now, backbench MPs are paid about $209,800, with ministers earning about $309,700 – $311,500 and the Prime Minister about $419,600 — all before generous allowances and extra stipends for roles like committee chairs.
Based on the government’s own wage index data, this year’s scheduled raise is estimated at about 4.2%, which would add roughly $8,800 to a backbench MP’s pay, $13,000 to a minister’s pay, and $17,600 to the Prime Minister’s pay, pushing top salaries to approximately $218,600, $322,700, and $437,200 respectively. These raises are built into law and arrive automatically, unless politicians vote to stop them.
We call on the federal government to freeze MP salaries and end automatic April 1 increases. Any future adjustments should be earned and tied to median wage growth and real economic conditions, voted on transparently, and delayed until Canadians are actually getting ahead.
Sign the petition if you agree MPs should lead by example — not increase their own pay on autopilot while households fall behind.
- Automatic pay raise date: MP salaries are adjusted every April 1 under the Parliament of Canada Act, using an index of private-sector wage settlements published by Employment and Social Development Canada. See the law • House of Commons reference
- Most recent pay (after Apr 1, 2025): Backbench MP ≈ $209,800; Cabinet Minister ≈ $309,700–$311,500; Prime Minister ≈ $419,600. Source • Source
- Estimated Apr 1, 2026 raise: Based on federal wage index data, the projected increase is about 4.2%, equal to roughly $8,800 more for a backbench MP, $13,000 more for a minister, and $17,600 more for the prime minister — for estimated totals of about $218,600, $322,700, and $437,200 respectively (final figures pending official publication). Estimate source
- Extra pay for roles: Additional annual stipends (indexed each year) are paid for positions like Speaker, party leaders, committee chairs and vice-chairs. For example, the Parliament of Canada Act sets extra salaries for committee chairs and vice-chairs, which rise with the same index each year. See list of roles • Library of Parliament overview • Members’ Allowances & Services Manual
- Next scheduled increase: April 1, 2026 (raises are annual on April 1 unless Parliament changes the law). Reference
- Parliament of Canada Act, Section 67.1 – establishes the annual April 1 indexing formula for MP salaries.
- Parliament of Canada Act, Section 62.1 – lists additional salaries for Speaker, party leaders, committee chairs, and other roles.
- House of Commons Procedure and Practice, Chapter 4 § 11 – confirms the automatic April 1 adjustments to MPs’ pay.
- The Hill Times (May 2025) – reports post-raise salaries for the Prime Minister, opposition leaders, and MPs.
- Canadian Taxpayers Federation (April 2025) – outlines the 2025 salary increases for MPs and ministers.
- Canadian Taxpayers Federation (Latest Estimate) – projects the upcoming April pay raise amounts and estimated post-increase salaries.
- Members’ Allowances and Services Manual (House of Commons) – details allowances, stipends, and annual adjustments.
- Library of Parliament – Salaries and Benefits Overview – lists current base and additional salaries for parliamentarians.
COMMENTS
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Karen Walton followed this page 2025-11-05 22:10:42 -0500 -
Bruce Atchison commented 2025-11-05 19:17:09 -0500MPs should be paid for what they accomplish. That would save a lot of tax money and get things done.
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Bruce Atchison commented 2025-05-30 19:58:59 -0400Pay those folks what they’re actually worth. That would save millions. And pay them according to the legislation they pass instead of a salary.
