Newfoundland and Labrador’s Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs) could see a salary increase of approximately $22,000 per year by 2027 based on recommendations from a recent report by the Members’ Compensation Review Committee (MCRC) in the province. The report emphasizes that fair compensation is crucial to attract individuals with diverse backgrounds to run for public office.
Released on Tuesday, the 162-page report authored by lawyer Heather Jacobs proposes raising the annual MHA salary to $117,000 by April 1. Currently, Newfoundland and Labrador MHAs receive one of the lowest salaries in Canada compared to their provincial counterparts, with a base salary of $95,357 per year that has remained unchanged since December 2009. For instance, Prince Edward Island provincial politicians earn $86,924 annually, while Ontario members of provincial parliament receive $163,275.
This latest report follows a previous one from March 2024 that recommended a $120,000 annual salary, a proposal that was not supported by then-Premier Andrew Furey. Jacobs, who authored both reports, stated that the 2026 version aimed to update and build upon the recommendations made in 2024.
In addition to the salary increase for MHAs, the report suggests raises for additional-salary positions within the House of Assembly structure. These positions include $61,000 for the Speaker of the House and the Opposition Leader, $33,000 for the Leader of the Third Party, $5,000 for party whips, among others.
Speaker Paul Lane, an Independent MHA for Mount Pearl-Southlands, refrained from taking sides on the report but acknowledged the sensitivity of MHA salaries to taxpayers. The report also proposes implementing a formula tied to Newfoundland and Labrador’s consumer price index for annual salary adjustments, with a recommended deadline of July 1, 2027.
The recommendations will be reviewed by the House of Assembly Management Commission, comprising MHAs from all parties, Lane, and a clerk. A briefing is scheduled for October 21, where decisions will be made on accepting, amending, or rejecting the proposals. The Opposition Liberal Party expressed gratitude to Jacobs for her work and indicated readiness to review the report for potential debate in the House.
