Comments on: Federal Politician Salaries – Higher Than You Think http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm Building Wealth through Saving and Investing Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:42:26 -0330 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Rob http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-123626 Rob Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:53:50 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-123626 The thing that upsets me is that they can collect a pension at 55 with as little as 6 years, and I can't even get the money I paid into my own CPP from them when I need it. I'm about to lose everything I've worked all my life for, and the government could care less... red tape, fill this out, fill that out, it takes months; well by then I'll be homeless. If that happened to one of them, they would certainly fix it in a hurry... Does anyone know of a politician that ended up homeless? The thing that upsets me is that they can collect a pension at 55 with as little as 6 years, and I can’t even get the money I paid into my own CPP from them when I need it. I’m about to lose everything I’ve worked all my life for, and the government could care less… red tape, fill this out, fill that out, it takes months; well by then I’ll be homeless.
If that happened to one of them, they would certainly fix it in a hurry…
Does anyone know of a politician that ended up homeless?

]]> By: Gerard http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-122131 Gerard Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:02:52 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-122131 @mike: I'm reminded of that Eric Idle joke: "There is almost no advantage in this country in being rich. It's amazing that anybody still prefers it." @mike: I’m reminded of that Eric Idle joke: “There is almost no advantage in this country in being rich. It’s amazing that anybody still prefers it.”

]]> By: mike http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-121957 mike Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:18:54 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-121957 I wonder what would happen if all of the taxpayers were to quit their jobs and apply for welfare ? I wonder what would happen if all of the taxpayers were to quit their jobs and apply for welfare ?

]]> By: joe taxpayer http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-120108 joe taxpayer Sat, 23 Apr 2011 01:59:17 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-120108 The basic problem with politics is using the same system for over a hundred years. It's outdated and we can have a far more democratic country if we redesign power distribution. The fight over power is just the "snowball" thats been building for years. George Washinton said that politcal parties will be the fall of democracy. Thats what we are seeing now. This the only outcome when less than 0.01% of our people make all the rules for everyone else. It's too easy to make a grab for power. I am a Canadian small business owner who will never vote in another election that means nothing. People who believe that casting a vote once or twice a year makes them equal with the lords of the manor are diluting themselves. They are sheep. If Canada is ever to be truly free we must all be equal in reality not just on paper or at election time. I am a grad of computer programming and I know for a fact it would be possible to have the first true democracy. It would just take designing hand-held PDA's to give every person their own vote on every social issue. I say every social issue because obviously financial issues can not be decided by voting, the average Canadian wouldn't be quafied to make those types of decisions. So keep the politians, just redefine their role in Canadian politics. You have the power to restore Canada to a democracy free of these whinny little babies and their need to be on top of the pile. If their on the top, guess who they are standing on. If you truly want a Canada we can be proud of you'll put an end to this, and the only way to do that is to make us all equal for the first time in history. If things stay the same I denouce the government of Canada as my government and my family will never partisipate in any election to keep the masses queit. I am tired of paying for their lifestyles with nothing in return. I love Canada like my grandparents taught me to, I hate people who tell us what we need and how much we owe for it. Please make them work for us not us working for them. Anyone else tired of this? This is the first time we have the tech. to give us all a voice. Thinking about it the possibilities for Canada is excitng. If nothing changes to make us eqaul Canadians I'm telling everyone to vote "none of the above" to the Canadian dictatorship (government). Here are just a couple of blogs I pulled off the internet about our over paid government. This first one is in response to the riots in Toronto during the multi billion dollar party. (G20): The police are the group incharge. They tell us what we can and can't do and if you don't listen they declare you unlawful and arrest you. Does anyone think it is proper that they can just change the laws to suit their needs? If you do, you are either a realitive of a cop or your part of the cattle, moooo. During their training police are taught to TAKE CONTROL of any situation. I know I'm diluted but I thought that people who work for us should be under our control. (and not make 2-5 times more than us, but mostly thats the politians of the government.) I lived in Calgary a few years ago and my roommates daughter had accidentally dialed 911. I called them back and told them it was a mistake but they had to send a car anyway, which I understand. When the cop arrived he walked right in, and with his hand on his gun the whole time he began to question myself and my roommate who confirmed the mistake. He then asked if there was anyone else in the house, I said my 7 year old was home from school, sick in bed. The cop said "do you mind if I talk to her", I said yes because she's sick and sleeping. Now the cop didn't have control of the situation so his atitude changed and he unclipped his gun holster and said " I don't need your permission, that was just being polite". He commanded me to walk in front of him to my daughters room where he went in and woke her up. Dazed and confused she confirmed what I said and the part I love is my seven year old daughter told him to get out of her room before she pukes on him. After 30mins of his crap and commandments I said "all of this over a mistake that any monkey could have seen in five minutes, please get the **** out of my house". The cop said "how would you like to be arrested" I said "for what" he said "it's a long way to the station, Ill think of something". I said "do you know your a public servant and you work for me." He said "this is my country, I tell YOU what, where and when, You just live here."Democracy in Canada died for me that day. Since then my parents, grand parents, friends, just about everyone has simular stories. Combine those stories with the complete ignorance and over payment of politicians and we have a country that doesn't even vote.(unless its to stop the HST) In Toronto, it was my story times ten thousand. First we need politians with their salaries based on the canadian national average. This will eliminate the money grubers, then we need to get rid of the power mongers, police and politians alike.(not all of them just the power mongers). Then we will have for the first time in Canada - A DEMOCRACY. Till then we are all sheep and cattle who better do what we are told or the government will send the police to arrest us or taser us 13sec after they arrive like at the Vancouver airport. At least China tells you they are a dictaorship, Canada is a dictatorship cloaked as a democracy. The next blog is from someone looking to be involved but doesn't see the point.: NONE OF THE ABOVE The liberals do what they want how they want to do it, then say its what we want.The NDP are going to raise the min. wage which means in a time when its the hardest for small businesses they are going to have to lay-off 10%-20% of their employees.Both are a case of spoon fed people who have never lived the same type of lives as the rest of us. They do not understand our low to middle income lives. The green party is the opposite, no money, no experience. The conservatives are a little of each depending on which of us they are trying to pander to, at a self premium everytime. It took me less than a minute to find these and there are literally thousands more. I want people in politics who want to make change not money. I won't be voting until someone says that he/she will base their salary on the the canadian national average or provincial average for provincial elections. This way we will get the right people in charge and if they want more money they can enable us to make more money. P.S. I have sent a detailed plan to give us all a vote on social issues to every party and none have responded which is a shame because they all claim to want to make canada the best country in the world but none are willing to give us back any power to do it. We could demand it but that would require a level of co-operation like never before and the politicians know it. They aren't scared, they know as long as they give us a choice between them the sheep and cattle are going to fall in line. But every election less and less people choose to go to the slaughter house (vote). Someday there will be someone who is willing to say "I'm only going to make as much as the people I represent, I dare my running mates to do the same". That will be the person that can give us the first democracy in Canada. The basic problem with politics is using the same system for over a hundred years. It’s outdated and we can have a far more democratic country if we redesign power distribution. The fight over power is just the “snowball” thats been building for years. George Washinton said that politcal parties will be the fall of democracy. Thats what we are seeing now. This the only outcome when less than 0.01% of our people make all the rules for everyone else. It’s too easy to make a grab for power. I am a Canadian small business owner who will never vote in another election that means nothing. People who believe that casting a vote once or twice a year makes them equal with the lords of the manor are diluting themselves. They are sheep. If Canada is ever to be truly free we must all be equal in reality not just on paper or at election time. I am a grad of computer programming and I know for a fact it would be possible to have the first true democracy. It would just take designing hand-held PDA’s to give every person their own vote on every social issue. I say every social issue because obviously financial issues can not be decided by voting, the average Canadian wouldn’t be quafied to make those types of decisions. So keep the politians, just redefine their role in Canadian politics. You have the power to restore Canada to a democracy free of these whinny little babies and their need to be on top of the pile. If their on the top, guess who they are standing on. If you truly want a Canada we can be proud of you’ll put an end to this, and the only way to do that is to make us all equal for the first time in history. If things stay the same I denouce the government of Canada as my government and my family will never partisipate in any election to keep the masses queit. I am tired of paying for their lifestyles with nothing in return. I love Canada like my grandparents taught me to, I hate people who tell us what we need and how much we owe for it. Please make them work for us not us working for them. Anyone else tired of this? This is the first time we have the tech. to give us all a voice. Thinking about it the possibilities for Canada is excitng. If nothing changes to make us eqaul Canadians I’m telling everyone to vote “none of the above” to the Canadian dictatorship (government).
Here are just a couple of blogs I pulled off the internet about our over paid government. This first one is in response to the riots in Toronto during the multi billion dollar party. (G20):

The police are the group incharge. They tell us what we can and can’t do and if you don’t listen they declare you unlawful and arrest you. Does anyone think it is proper that they can just change the laws to suit their needs? If you do, you are either a realitive of a cop or your part of the cattle, moooo. During their training police are taught to TAKE CONTROL of any situation. I know I’m diluted but I thought that people who work for us should be under our control. (and not make 2-5 times more than us, but mostly thats the politians of the government.) I lived in Calgary a few years ago and my roommates daughter had accidentally dialed 911. I called them back and told them it was a mistake but they had to send a car anyway, which I understand. When the cop arrived he walked right in, and with his hand on his gun the whole time he began to question myself and my roommate who confirmed the mistake. He then asked if there was anyone else in the house, I said my 7 year old was home from school, sick in bed. The cop said “do you mind if I talk to her”, I said yes because she’s sick and sleeping. Now the cop didn’t have control of the situation so his atitude changed and he unclipped his gun holster and said ” I don’t need your permission, that was just being polite”. He commanded me to walk in front of him to my daughters room where he went in and woke her up. Dazed and confused she confirmed what I said and the part I love is my seven year old daughter told him to get out of her room before she pukes on him. After 30mins of his crap and commandments I said “all of this over a mistake that any monkey could have seen in five minutes, please get the **** out of my house”. The cop said “how would you like to be arrested” I said “for what” he said “it’s a long way to the station, Ill think of something”. I said “do you know your a public servant and you work for me.” He said “this is my country, I tell YOU what, where and when, You just live here.”Democracy in Canada died for me that day. Since then my parents, grand parents, friends, just about everyone has simular stories. Combine those stories with the complete ignorance and over payment of politicians and we have a country that doesn’t even vote.(unless its to stop the HST) In Toronto, it was my story times ten thousand. First we need politians with their salaries based on the canadian national average. This will eliminate the money grubers, then we need to get rid of the power mongers, police and politians alike.(not all of them just the power mongers). Then we will have for the first time in Canada – A DEMOCRACY. Till then we are all sheep and cattle who better do what we are told or the government will send the police to arrest us or taser us 13sec after they arrive like at the Vancouver airport. At least China tells you they are a dictaorship, Canada is a dictatorship cloaked as a democracy.

The next blog is from someone looking to be involved but doesn’t see the point.:

NONE OF THE ABOVE
The liberals do what they want how they want to do it, then say its what we want.The NDP are going to raise the min. wage which means in a time when its the hardest for small businesses they are going to have to lay-off 10%-20% of their employees.Both are a case of spoon fed people who have never lived the same type of lives as the rest of us. They do not understand our low to middle income lives. The green party is the opposite, no money, no experience. The conservatives are a little of each depending on which of us they are trying to pander to, at a self premium everytime.

It took me less than a minute to find these and there are literally thousands more. I want people in politics who want to make change not money. I won’t be voting until someone says that he/she will base their salary on the the canadian national average or provincial average for provincial elections. This way we will get the right people in charge and if they want more money they can enable us to make more money.

P.S. I have sent a detailed plan to give us all a vote on social issues to every party and none have responded which is a shame because they all claim to want to make canada the best country in the world but none are willing to give us back any power to do it. We could demand it but that would require a level of co-operation like never before and the politicians know it. They aren’t scared, they know as long as they give us a choice between them the sheep and cattle are going to fall in line. But every election less and less people choose to go to the slaughter house (vote). Someday there will be someone who is willing to say “I’m only going to make as much as the people I represent, I dare my running mates to do the same”. That will be the person that can give us the first democracy in Canada.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-119830 Ryan Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:04:55 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-119830 The salaries are a joke. I don't want my province or country run by people who are doing it for money. Greed should have no place in politics. We need people who are doing it for the right reasons because that's their passion. They want to see a good development that benefits everyone. Right now it's at the point where you don't even know what greedy liar to vote for because non of them care about you or your future anyways. Why we tolerate it as a society? I have no idea. We need a change though. The whole planet does. The salaries are a joke. I don’t want my province or country run by people who are doing it for money. Greed should have no place in politics. We need people who are doing it for the right reasons because that’s their passion. They want to see a good development that benefits everyone. Right now it’s at the point where you don’t even know what greedy liar to vote for because non of them care about you or your future anyways. Why we tolerate it as a society? I have no idea. We need a change though. The whole planet does.

]]> By: Chris http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-116253 Chris Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:03:31 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-116253 Yes they get paid far too much and those who think that this is to get the "right" people in place that would be a failed statement in logic. If you want people who care about making money and living nice fatcat lives sure done. The right people who should be in place aren't those people the people who just want to make Canada better help people and the environment should be in place most of those people would do the job for way less espcially considering the expense accounts in place for poloticians. Lawyers, CEO, Realestate moguls these are the people in place they are not there for Canada or you look at thier jobs they are there for them and to make money. This attacts the wrong kind of people. Yes they get paid far too much and those who think that this is to get the “right” people in place that would be a failed statement in logic. If you want people who care about making money and living nice fatcat lives sure done. The right people who should be in place aren’t those people the people who just want to make Canada better help people and the environment should be in place most of those people would do the job for way less espcially considering the expense accounts in place for poloticians. Lawyers, CEO, Realestate moguls these are the people in place they are not there for Canada or you look at thier jobs they are there for them and to make money. This attacts the wrong kind of people.

]]> By: Dave http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-116237 Dave Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:52:28 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-116237 Trevor, give me a break! Give me a job in politics any day, I will work at it a for a couple years making 250k a year, do a couple billion dollar oopsies and take a walk with a 2+ million dollar severance. Now thats a great lifestyle choice! And if I make it to 4 years I make 45k a year in pension! Working hard! LOL. I only make about 90 a year right now, and I can tell ya, I work waaaaay less that I did making half that. You know and I know, when you start making good money, you forget about how easily it comes. I used to work 80+ hours a week to scrounge up 50k, now my arse gets sore from sitting on it making almost double. Rough times. Has everyone forgotten about expense accounts, car allowances, travel allowances, kickbacks, etc? Might as well give the waitress $60/hour and forget about what they make on the side. You can take an elects salary and probably triple it when it comes down to the nitty gritty, so YES THEY MAKE WAY TOO MUCH! Last time I checked I had to pay my own gas to get to work. Trevor, give me a break! Give me a job in politics any day, I will work at it a for a couple years making 250k a year, do a couple billion dollar oopsies and take a walk with a 2+ million dollar severance. Now thats a great lifestyle choice! And if I make it to 4 years I make 45k a year in pension! Working hard! LOL. I only make about 90 a year right now, and I can tell ya, I work waaaaay less that I did making half that. You know and I know, when you start making good money, you forget about how easily it comes. I used to work 80+ hours a week to scrounge up 50k, now my arse gets sore from sitting on it making almost double. Rough times. Has everyone forgotten about expense accounts, car allowances, travel allowances, kickbacks, etc? Might as well give the waitress $60/hour and forget about what they make on the side. You can take an elects salary and probably triple it when it comes down to the nitty gritty, so YES THEY MAKE WAY TOO MUCH! Last time I checked I had to pay my own gas to get to work.

]]> By: Trevor Goldfield http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-112876 Trevor Goldfield Thu, 06 May 2010 04:30:39 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-112876 There is about 5 or 6 staff at the company whom I work for that are under 30 years of age and they make over $250k a year. They are smart, hard working individuals. They deserve their pay, I make just over 175k at the same company. We laugh at how little some people make, but they just don't deserve it, they don't get things right, and when your dealing with billions, mistakes don't fly. We consider ourselves like athletes, only a small percentage ever go pro and make the NHL, NBA, NFL, or MLB. Those that do, get paid well. It is the same with being a politician. Most of you people would crack under the pressure. As far as those politicians are concerned, they deserve every penny they make. I would NOT do their job and I make the same coin. Just remember people, money isn't everything, lifestyle is. Nobody dies wishing they had worked more. There is about 5 or 6 staff at the company whom I work for that are under 30 years of age and they make over $250k a year. They are smart, hard working individuals. They deserve their pay, I make just over 175k at the same company. We laugh at how little some people make, but they just don’t deserve it, they don’t get things right, and when your dealing with billions, mistakes don’t fly. We consider ourselves like athletes, only a small percentage ever go pro and make the NHL, NBA, NFL, or MLB. Those that do, get paid well. It is the same with being a politician. Most of you people would crack under the pressure.

As far as those politicians are concerned, they deserve every penny they make. I would NOT do their job and I make the same coin. Just remember people, money isn’t everything, lifestyle is. Nobody dies wishing they had worked more.

]]> By: Scott http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-111707 Scott Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:38:27 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-111707 @DHK....that just raises another question, "Are politicians 'decent'?" But, I guess that is left up to morality etc. What I can say, just from working around provincial politicos the last few years, is that yes, quite frankly, most politicians are indeed decent people -- when they very first enter the arena. The longer they stay, the more disconnect there is between their view on what reality is and what reality actually is. Example in case: annual 10% pay raise. But, we all know politics and politicians have been corrupt since the very first vote way back in days of yore. Accept it and move on. @DHK….that just raises another question, “Are politicians ‘decent’?”

But, I guess that is left up to morality etc.

What I can say, just from working around provincial politicos the last few years, is that yes, quite frankly, most politicians are indeed decent people — when they very first enter the arena. The longer they stay, the more disconnect there is between their view on what reality is and what reality actually is.

Example in case: annual 10% pay raise.

But, we all know politics and politicians have been corrupt since the very first vote way back in days of yore. Accept it and move on.

]]> By: DHK http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-111705 DHK Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:31:05 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-111705 "Look fine to me"? Ya, they look real fine all right. Especially to the parasitic politicians. While the average Canadian brings home slightly more than $39,000 a year, these SOBs live like kings off the backs of us peasants. How could any decent person live with themselves? “Look fine to me”? Ya, they look real fine all right. Especially to the parasitic politicians. While the average Canadian brings home slightly more than $39,000 a year, these SOBs live like kings off the backs of us peasants. How could any decent person live with themselves?

]]> By: Scott http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-111389 Scott Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:12:47 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-111389 Here's a little update from a recent article (Source: Parliament of Canada): Prime Minister 2010 Total take-home pay: $315,462 2000 Total take-home pay: $142,300 ANNUAL INCREASE: 8.3% Senior Cabinet Minister 2010 Total take-home pay: $233,247 2000 Total take-home pay: $117,500 ANNUAL INCREASE: 7.1% Junior Minister 2010 Total take-home pay: $214,368 2000 Total take-home pay: $$105,175 ANNUAL INCREASE: 7.4% Speaker of the Senate 2010 Total take-home pay: $187,500 2000 Total take-home pay: $38,100 ANNUAL INCREASE: 17.3% Leader of the Government in the Senate 2010 Total take-home pay: $207,800 2000 Total take-home pay: $68,200 ANNUAL INCREASE: 11.8% Backbench MPs 2010 Total take-home pay: $157,731 2000 Total take-home pay: $68,200 ANNUAL INCREASE: 8.75% Senators 2010 Total take-home pay: $132,300 2000 Total take-home pay: $68,200 ANNUAL INCREASE: 6.85% Average Annual Pay Increase: +9.6% Have the duties of ANY of the positions above changed so drastically that they require a MINIMUM 7% annual pay raise -- PER YEAR? How well does your 'REAL WAGE' pay cheque compare? From Stats Can: (*just for the sake of a quick-n-dirty argument; **latest stats) 2000 Married couple, one earner*: $47, 500 2007 Married couple, one earner**: $60, 300 ANNUAL INCREASE: 3.5% 2000 Unattached male earner*: $36,100 2007 Unattached male earner**: $43,600 ANNUAL INCREASE: 2.75% Perhaps we should start using politician pay raises as the true measure of inflation. Just an idea. (As an aside, CPI '00-'10 is +2.07% annually. But much more, of course, if you actually include all the stuff you use: fruit, vegetables, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, mortgage interest, inter-city transportation, and taxes.) Here’s a little update from a recent article (Source: Parliament of Canada):

Prime Minister
2010 Total take-home pay: $315,462
2000 Total take-home pay: $142,300
ANNUAL INCREASE: 8.3%

Senior Cabinet Minister
2010 Total take-home pay: $233,247
2000 Total take-home pay: $117,500
ANNUAL INCREASE: 7.1%

Junior Minister
2010 Total take-home pay: $214,368
2000 Total take-home pay: $$105,175
ANNUAL INCREASE: 7.4%

Speaker of the Senate
2010 Total take-home pay: $187,500
2000 Total take-home pay: $38,100
ANNUAL INCREASE: 17.3%

Leader of the Government in the Senate
2010 Total take-home pay: $207,800
2000 Total take-home pay: $68,200
ANNUAL INCREASE: 11.8%

Backbench MPs
2010 Total take-home pay: $157,731
2000 Total take-home pay: $68,200
ANNUAL INCREASE: 8.75%

Senators
2010 Total take-home pay: $132,300
2000 Total take-home pay: $68,200
ANNUAL INCREASE: 6.85%

Average Annual Pay Increase: +9.6%

Have the duties of ANY of the positions above changed so drastically that they require a MINIMUM 7% annual pay raise — PER YEAR?

How well does your ‘REAL WAGE’ pay cheque compare?

From Stats Can:
(*just for the sake of a quick-n-dirty argument; **latest stats)

2000 Married couple, one earner*: $47, 500
2007 Married couple, one earner**: $60, 300
ANNUAL INCREASE: 3.5%

2000 Unattached male earner*: $36,100
2007 Unattached male earner**: $43,600
ANNUAL INCREASE: 2.75%

Perhaps we should start using politician pay raises as the true measure of inflation. Just an idea.

(As an aside, CPI ‘00-’10 is +2.07% annually. But much more, of course, if you actually include all the stuff you use: fruit, vegetables, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, mortgage interest, inter-city transportation, and taxes.)

]]> By: Scott http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-106670 Scott Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:15:47 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-106670 Ben, obviously this is an issue that will always be contested, and without resolution. I respect Frugal Trader and his website too much to turn this into a slap fight, of sorts. We shall continue to agree to disagree. (Feel free to e-mail me if you wish to debate further!) Ben, obviously this is an issue that will always be contested, and without resolution. I respect Frugal Trader and his website too much to turn this into a slap fight, of sorts. We shall continue to agree to disagree.

(Feel free to e-mail me if you wish to debate further!)

]]> By: Ben http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-106669 Ben Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:30:45 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-106669 Scott I think that you are missing the point and examining this on a micro level. The bigger picture tells us that politics is a thankless job and therefore a premium must be paid to all politicians. Your first point is completely off topic. We are not discussing public servants but rather elected officials. Many of Canada's elected officials are self made millionaires who enter politics for reasons other than money. Perhaps power is one reason but in today's political climate there is very little power to be had. Again, I'll remind you that this is 2009 and all politicians are subject to new world media scrutiny (www, blogs, 24/7 TV, etc). So yes there is still power that comes with the job...but the abuse of power that was once a huge perk has gone the way of the VCR. Your second point sounds like sour grapes. Would you prefer that an internal firm did the study? $98K is a very good salary but it is not going to make you rich. In fact at $98K the very government that pays you this salary gets most of it back through various forms of taxation And your last point...comparing someone with a B.A. in the private sector to a politician with a B.A. is like comparing a college professor with a PhD in English literature to a MD with PhD in neuroscience. Obviously they would not be paid the same simply because they hold the same 'level' of education. The good news is that we rehire our politicians every 4 years so if you think that you could do better without being attached by the generous salary or the lure of power then I look very much forward to your campaign. Until then, I will continue to support our politicians and will save bashing them for times when they actually deserve it. Earning a decent wage is not one of those things. Scott I think that you are missing the point and examining this on a micro level. The bigger picture tells us that politics is a thankless job and therefore a premium must be paid to all politicians.

Your first point is completely off topic. We are not discussing public servants but rather elected officials. Many of Canada’s elected officials are self made millionaires who enter politics for reasons other than money. Perhaps power is one reason but in today’s political climate there is very little power to be had. Again, I’ll remind you that this is 2009 and all politicians are subject to new world media scrutiny (www, blogs, 24/7 TV, etc). So yes there is still power that comes with the job…but the abuse of power that was once a huge perk has gone the way of the VCR.

Your second point sounds like sour grapes. Would you prefer that an internal firm did the study? $98K is a very good salary but it is not going to make you rich. In fact at $98K the very government that pays you this salary gets most of it back through various forms of taxation

And your last point…comparing someone with a B.A. in the private sector to a politician with a B.A. is like comparing a college professor with a PhD in English literature to a MD with PhD in neuroscience. Obviously they would not be paid the same simply because they hold the same ‘level’ of education.

The good news is that we rehire our politicians every 4 years so if you think that you could do better without being attached by the generous salary or the lure of power then I look very much forward to your campaign. Until then, I will continue to support our politicians and will save bashing them for times when they actually deserve it. Earning a decent wage is not one of those things.

]]> By: Scott http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-106638 Scott Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:12:07 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-106638 @ Ben: 1) How many non-degreed entrepreneurs work for the government? My guess is an absolute zero. I'm not talking about private citizens on contract, but a Mon-Fri 35-hour work week stooge. Government simply does not provide a livable environment for the entrepreneurial spirit. 2) During the last round of B.C. provinicial gov't top-tier raises, good ol' preimier Gordo hired an "indiependent" firm to write a public report to support the raises. First off, the idea is just so wrong. Secondly, the report stated that "comparable" wages were seen in the private sector. Again, the example of my MLA, earning 213% more than someone in the private sector with "comparable" pedigree. Basically the joke of a report was just more waste of tax dollars. 3) As Tax Guy posted (#15): "If politicians get crummy compensation we get crummy politicians because those who are qualified won’t touch it. The salaries of the CEO of Royal Bank and BCE are both over $1 million, do you think the leader of a country should be paid on pay?" Think the CEO of RBC or BCE have ONLY a Bachelor of Art degree? I doubt it. Try to get into RBC or BCE management with "not even a high school diploma". Good luck. As well, those are private sector companies, their entire goal is to make as much money as possible. The perceived role of a politician is quite different. I'm not sure how you correlate the two. In the end, it really is a futile and moot argument. Government has been a corrupt, self-serving entity ever since its birth. We might as well face the fact that an incredibly small (and most likely shrinking) degree of society enters into politics with the sole purpose of serving without ulterior motives (money, power, etc.). @ Ben:

1) How many non-degreed entrepreneurs work for the government?
My guess is an absolute zero. I’m not talking about private citizens on contract, but a Mon-Fri 35-hour work week stooge. Government simply does not provide a livable environment for the entrepreneurial spirit.

2) During the last round of B.C. provinicial gov’t top-tier raises, good ol’ preimier Gordo hired an “indiependent” firm to write a public report to support the raises. First off, the idea is just so wrong. Secondly, the report stated that “comparable” wages were seen in the private sector. Again, the example of my MLA, earning 213% more than someone in the private sector with “comparable” pedigree. Basically the joke of a report was just more waste of tax dollars.

3) As Tax Guy posted (#15): “If politicians get crummy compensation we get crummy politicians because those who are qualified won’t touch it. The salaries of the CEO of Royal Bank and BCE are both over $1 million, do you think the leader of a country should be paid on pay?”

Think the CEO of RBC or BCE have ONLY a Bachelor of Art degree? I doubt it. Try to get into RBC or BCE management with “not even a high school diploma”. Good luck. As well, those are private sector companies, their entire goal is to make as much money as possible. The perceived role of a politician is quite different. I’m not sure how you correlate the two.

In the end, it really is a futile and moot argument. Government has been a corrupt, self-serving entity ever since its birth. We might as well face the fact that an incredibly small (and most likely shrinking) degree of society enters into politics with the sole purpose of serving without ulterior motives (money, power, etc.).

]]> By: Ben http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-106615 Ben Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:22:55 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-106615 Scott, your theory that one's abilities should be measured by the wording on a diploma is very outdated. One's education level is little more than a door opener when interviewing for a new position and has nothing to do with one's true abilities. Many of the people that I went to graduate school with can barely feed themselves. And most of Canada's richest entrepreneurs do not even have a high school diploma. It is 2009...not 1972. Scott, your theory that one’s abilities should be measured by the wording on a diploma is very outdated. One’s education level is little more than a door opener when interviewing for a new position and has nothing to do with one’s true abilities. Many of the people that I went to graduate school with can barely feed themselves. And most of Canada’s richest entrepreneurs do not even have a high school diploma. It is 2009…not 1972.

]]> By: Scott http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-106614 Scott Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:14:12 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-106614 Apologies for the lag time, I've been working...and still working so it'll be quick (and left unfinished)... 15. Tax Guy @ Scott: "Hate for politicians aside, let me ask another question: Do you want an unqualified dufus running for political office? The old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here." Really? Hmmm...let's see...my MLA has a BA = Bachelor of ARTS degree. I repeat -- ARTS. How does that qualify him for anything, let alone a $98,000/yr job? The 2006 Stats Can report, states the average earning for a B.C. resident with a B.A. degree is $46,000/yr; degrees above a B.A. earn $60,000/yr. Huh?!? How does Mr. Politician manage to earn 213% MORE than an equally educated person? Oh right, he's overpaid by the government...I mean, YOUR tax dollars! Let's see YOU try and finagle an almost-$100,000/yr private sector salary (plus perks) with a mere bachelor of ARTS degree. Good luck. Is he the best person for the job? Probably not. Is he the best POLITICIAN for the job? The most popular, for sure. Yes, he is an "unqualified duffus" that ran for office and won -- twice. But then again, so did Bush Jr., the guy who couldn't make money with an oil well! The weak theory of "you get what you pay for" is so grossly over-used by the government to justify their pay. Incomplete argument, but I shall return! Apologies for the lag time, I’ve been working…and still working so it’ll be quick (and left unfinished)…

15. Tax Guy @ Scott:

“Hate for politicians aside, let me ask another question: Do you want an unqualified dufus running for political office? The old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here.”

Really?
Hmmm…let’s see…my MLA has a BA = Bachelor of ARTS degree.
I repeat — ARTS.
How does that qualify him for anything, let alone a $98,000/yr job?

The 2006 Stats Can report, states the average earning for a B.C. resident with a B.A. degree is $46,000/yr; degrees above a B.A. earn $60,000/yr.

Huh?!? How does Mr. Politician manage to earn 213% MORE than an equally educated person? Oh right, he’s overpaid by the government…I mean, YOUR tax dollars!

Let’s see YOU try and finagle an almost-$100,000/yr private sector salary (plus perks) with a mere bachelor of ARTS degree. Good luck.

Is he the best person for the job? Probably not.
Is he the best POLITICIAN for the job? The most popular, for sure.

Yes, he is an “unqualified duffus” that ran for office and won — twice. But then again, so did Bush Jr., the guy who couldn’t make money with an oil well!

The weak theory of “you get what you pay for” is so grossly over-used by the government to justify their pay.

Incomplete argument, but I shall return!

]]> By: cannon_fodder http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-106365 cannon_fodder Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:22:48 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-106365 I don't think the salaries are outlandish at all, but I don't like the size of the pensions and how little time in office it takes to 'earn' such a lucrative pension. I believe it would have been helpful if there was an indication as to how long each MP had held public office before landing a job in parliament. I would guess it takes quite a long time for most politicians to work there way up the ladder (starting perhaps with school boards, municipal politician, maybe even provincial politician). Backbenchers earn too much, but other than that, it seems quite reasonable considering the responsibilities involved. I personally don't know any politicians so I could venture a guess as to how many deliver real value but it appears that, just as in the private sector, there are people who deliver more value than they are paid - and there are others on the opposite side of the spectrum. I don’t think the salaries are outlandish at all, but I don’t like the size of the pensions and how little time in office it takes to ‘earn’ such a lucrative pension.

I believe it would have been helpful if there was an indication as to how long each MP had held public office before landing a job in parliament. I would guess it takes quite a long time for most politicians to work there way up the ladder (starting perhaps with school boards, municipal politician, maybe even provincial politician).

Backbenchers earn too much, but other than that, it seems quite reasonable considering the responsibilities involved.

I personally don’t know any politicians so I could venture a guess as to how many deliver real value but it appears that, just as in the private sector, there are people who deliver more value than they are paid – and there are others on the opposite side of the spectrum.

]]> By: Lior http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-106045 Lior Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:50:20 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-106045 No surprise here but it's like that in virtually every democracy. Bear in mind that some individuals who successfully run for office would have to take a pay cut compared to what they'll get paid in a private sector job. However, the vast majority of politicians are "jobnicks"; few are doctors or lawyers or bankers who would earn a very lucrative salary in the private sector. Most of them are career bullshiters who only want to get elected for the pay and perks. Our political system as a whole is flawed and plagued with conflicts of interest. Lior No surprise here but it’s like that in virtually every democracy. Bear in mind that some individuals who successfully run for office would have to take a pay cut compared to what they’ll get paid in a private sector job. However, the vast majority of politicians are “jobnicks”; few are doctors or lawyers or bankers who would earn a very lucrative salary in the private sector. Most of them are career bullshiters who only want to get elected for the pay and perks. Our political system as a whole is flawed and plagued with conflicts of interest.

Lior

]]> By: Canada Deals http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-105929 Canada Deals Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:23:09 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-105929 Whoa that's a lot of clams. I guess I don't mind... as long as they're EARNING it. How many of these politicians are actually giving us value for our money? Whoa that’s a lot of clams. I guess I don’t mind… as long as they’re EARNING it. How many of these politicians are actually giving us value for our money?

]]> By: Briefcases http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/federal-politician-salaries-higher-than-you-think.htm/comment-page-1#comment-105819 Briefcases Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:52:09 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=1044#comment-105819 These salaries do seem rather excessive. These jobs are not so demanding that they deserve that. On the flipside, if they don't make this much, qualified people may go work in business management or other careers instead. So there has to be some incentive for the most qualified people to become politicians. It becomes a bit of a bidding war between government and businesses. These salaries do seem rather excessive. These jobs are not so demanding that they deserve that. On the flipside, if they don’t make this much, qualified people may go work in business management or other careers instead. So there has to be some incentive for the most qualified people to become politicians. It becomes a bit of a bidding war between government and businesses.

]]>