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CTV News
13 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Premier Doug Ford and Ontario MPPs are poised to get a raise. Here is how much their salaries could be going up
Ontario MPPs are about to get a nearly $41,000 raise and will also be eligible to participate in a pension plan for the first time in decades. The salary for MPPs has been frozen at $116,500 since 2009, with successive governments on either end of the political spectrum opting to keep the measure in place. But legislation that was tabled at Queen's Park on Thursday afternoon proposes lifting the freeze and setting MPP pay at 75 per cent of the salary awarded to Members of Parliament—currently $209,800. That would, in turn, see MPP salaries increased by 35 per cent to $157,350 with the change retroactive to the day of the most recent Ontario election. The premier's salary will increase from $208,974 to $282,129 while cabinet ministers will see their salaries hiked from $165,851 to $223,909. The Leader of the Official Opposition will now be paid $244,207, up from $180,866. Officials say the salary increases will add $6 million in payroll costs in 2025-2026, but will only represent 0.06 per cent of the total compensation awarded to Ontario's public servants. The legislation, once approved, would also give MPPs access to Ontario's public service pension plan, which was previously abolished by the Mike Harris PC government in 1995. Under the legislation, MPPs would join and contribute to the plan on the 'same terms' as other members who serve elsewhere in Ontario's public service. But officials say that due to the 'unique nature' of their work, MPPs would also be eligible for a 'supplementary benefit' that would allow them to receive pension benefits after six years of service. They could begin collecting their full pension benefits at age 65 or receive a reduced pension by the age of 55. Officials say current MPPs will be given credit for the years of service they have already logged but must still be on the job at the end of this current session of Parliament to be eligible. The pension will eventually replace a benefit, which saw the government contribute the equivalent of 10 per cent of an MPPs salary to a retirement savings account each year. The cost of the pension plan to the government is expected to total $6.8 million in 2026-2027. The new legislation comes after Premier Doug Ford hinted he would lift the pay freeze for MPPs during his first news conference following his re-election this past winter. At the time, he said it was 'not fair' that MPPs had not received a pay increase since 2008. 'I don't want to sound like a bleeding heart for politicians but come on folks, these guys work their backs off,' Ford previously said. Officials say the eligibility for a pension after six years of service was set to mirror the rule for federal Members of Parliament. The new salary structure, once approved, will still result in MPPs earning less than Toronto City Councillors ($170,558). Ford will now make more than Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who previously had a higher salary at $225,304.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Public consultation on electric vehicle charger and double yellow lines by shops
A public consultation has been launched on the implementation of an electric vehicle (EV) charger and double yellow lines outside a row of shops. The developments would be brought in outside the strip of stores on Highfield Road in Farnworth, which includes Co-op, Premier and more. Bolton Council granted planning permission in July last year for an EV charger and its associated infrastructure such as line markings and electrical equipment. The plans would see two existing double parking bays turned into four EV charge parking bays. As part of the permission, the highways department would need to "carry out a review of Traffic Regulation Orders in the locality where necessary". The proposed yellow lines and parking bays (Image: Bolton Council) Now, a proposed traffic order has been uploaded to the council's website, outlining separate parts for the EV parking place and for double yellow lines. Read more: Raft of new double yellow lines to deal with 'anti-social parking and driving' Read more: Road could be made one way after safety concerns Read more: 'We have this serious issue of cars driven in an irresponsible way' - police respond In its reasoning, it says: "A planning application has been received and has been approved for two electric vehicle charging points outside the shops on Highfield Rd, an area which has a demand for on street parking but also has a turnover with visitors due to the varied nature of the business premises. "This proposal will introduce the associated restrictions, amending existing restrictions to accommodate the new bays. Highfield Road shops (Image: Google Maps) "To secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic in pursuance of the Authority's duty under S.122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984." The council says that any objections or representations should state the grounds they are made on and be sent either by email to highways@ or in writing to Highways and Engineering Division, 3rd Floor, Paderborn House, Civic Centre, Bolton BL1 1UA, no later than June 13. It asks anyone who does so to quote the reference 'TRO303992/JF/web' in all correspondence. This comes after a raft of new double yellow lines was brought in across Farnworth and Kearsley. The development comes as part of a bid to cut antisocial parking and driving. Some of the areas where restrictions were approved include around Kearsley West Nursery and Primary School in Primrose Street.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal's first summer transfer close as Sporting address Viktor Gyokeres exit
Arsenal are making strides ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business, with a deal for Martin Zubimendi close and another for Viktor Gyokeres in the pipeline Arsenal are braced for a busy time in the summer transfer window, with the Gunners determined to learn from their past mistakes. Mikel Arteta's side have finished second in the Premier League for the third straight campaign and want to reinforce their squad this summer. "Josh [Kroenke] has been very clear in the direction and ambition we have," Arteta said recently. "We're going to try and see what we can do, make very subtle decisions, and respect what has taken us this far. "There's not much improvement. We've finished second three times, reached the Champions League semi-finals. There's that little percentage we need to nail." Those tweaks will involve the signing of a top-class striker this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres the top target, while a central midfielder is also on the way, in the form of Martin Zubimendi. Read on to see the latest on these deals. Sporting issue Gyokeres statement Sporting Lisbon say they are yet to receive any official offers for Viktor Gyokeres - and insist he could still stay with them this summer. Gyokeres is one of Arsenal's top targets this summer and Mirror Football understands they are confident he will join if they fork out £60million. However, Sporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha said: 'He has three more years on his contract. At the moment there are no offers, he has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given. [Sporting's transfer plans] won't be any different from last year. We want to keep the best players and retain talent. "We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts. I have been in this role for seven years. In the years when Sporting were champions, we even made fewer sales than in other years... the fact that we are champions gives us a greater ability to retain players and talent. 'Coincidence or not, we have not had to sell any players in those times. Not that we have not received offers, but the market is not under our control, we are always dependent.' Zubimendi set for medical Martin Zubimendi will soon be an Arsenal player after the club reached a full agreement with Real Sociedad over his transfer. The Gunners will pay his full release clause of £51m to sign the Spain international midfielder as soon as the window opens. The 26-year-old, who snubbed Liverpool in the summer, will become Arsenal's first signing of the summer once he has completed a medical. All the relevant documents have now been completed, meaning his announcement is close. Zubimendi will bolster the midfield after Jorginho confirmed he was leaving on a free transfer for Flamengo. Henry criticises Arteta Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has criticised the club's inability to sign a striker over the past few seasons. The Gunners have finished second for the third straight Premier League season, with injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus impacting their campaign heavily. Henry said on the Overlap Stick to Football podcast: 'When you look at the injuries and you look at the players that came, OK, he brought players – he got [Raheem] Sterling when everyone wanted a nine. He had time to get a nine, he had time. 'I'm not the coach, I don't know how the discussion… everyone has been screaming for a nine – apart from when we win, by the way. When we beat Real Madrid, we didn't need a nine. No, you do need a nine.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
CTV News
a day ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Premier Kinew speaks on Manitoba wildfire situation
Premier Kinew speaks on Manitoba wildfire situation Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a state of emergency in the province over the wildfire situation.
CBC
a day ago
- Business
- CBC
First Nations Leadership Council responds to Premier's plan to fast-track mining in B.C
First Nations Leadership Council political executive Robert Phillips discusses his reaction to Premier David Eby's recent Northern B.C. mining announcement.
