Full Breakdown
New Brunswick MP Mike Dawson Rejects Pay Raise Amid Economic Concerns
2/11/2026, 2:16:54 PM
MP's Decision to Decline Salary Increase
Mike Dawson, a Member of Parliament representing Miramichi-Grand Lake in New Brunswick, has publicly requested that his salary not increase in the upcoming year. In a letter posted on Facebook, Dawson asked the clerk of the House of Commons to "make the necessary arrangements with the payroll and benefits administration" to prevent the automatic pay raise, which is indexed to wage settlements in the private sector. Although the final indexed rate for 2025 has not yet been published by Employment and Social Development Canada, Dawson anticipates it could be around $10,000.
Motivations Behind the Decision
Dawson cited his "moral compass" as a primary reason for rejecting the pay raise, stating, "I didn't come here for the salary. I came here because I wanted to do better for Canada and better for [the riding of] Miramich-Grand Lake." He emphasized that his decision was not intended to pressure his colleagues into making similar choices, asserting that each MP should make their own decision regarding salary increases.
Reactions and Support
Dawson's stance has received commendation from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Franco Terrazzano, the federation's director, praised Dawson's decision, stating, "It takes courage to stand alone and do the right thing and Dawson is showing real guts to turn down this pay raise." Terrazzano also called for an end to automatic pay raises for MPs altogether.
Potential Alternatives for the Pay Raise
Should Dawson be unable to formally decline the raise, he expressed intentions to donate the equivalent amount to local charities or food banks. However, it remains unclear whether Dawson has the authority to opt out of the pay increase independently, as CBC News has reached out to the House of Commons administration for clarification on this matter.
Broader Context of MP Salaries
As of 2024, backbench MPs in Canada began earning a salary exceeding $200,000 annually, with higher salaries designated for special offices, including ministers and the prime minister, who earn over $400,000. The automatic pay raise system has drawn criticism, with calls for reform from various stakeholders, including the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Dawson's request has been well-received by some, there is no consensus on whether MPs should be allowed to decline their pay raises. The House of Commons administration has not yet clarified the rules surrounding this issue, leaving a gap in understanding the implications of Dawson's decision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn't come here for the salary. I came here because I wanted to do better for Canada and better for [the riding of] Miramich-Grand Lake,” — Mike Dawson, MP
- “It takes courage to stand alone and do the right thing and Dawson is showing real guts to turn down this pay raise,” — Franco Terrazzano, Canadian Taxpayers Federation Director
