Ipsos Quick Poll on BC MLA Compensation

Methodology
These are the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Global BC. The poll was fielded May 3-4, 2007 with a representative sample of 450 adult British Columbians. With a sample of this size, the results are considered accurate to within 1774.6 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire adult population of BC been polled. The margin of error will be larger within regions and for other sub-groupings of the survey population. These data were statistically weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/sex composition reflects that of the actual BC population according to 2001 Census data.

The polling was conducted using Ipsos Reid's "Voice of the West Interactive Forum" - an online panel of more than 1,300 British Columbians who have been randomly recruited to match the overall characteristics of the adult BC population.

RESULTS

Overall Views on Panel Recommendations
Q1. As you may know, an independent panel was established (January 2007) to conduct a fair and impartial review of compensation and pension arrangements for British Columbia MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly). There has been no significant increase in MLA compensation for a decade.

The main recommendations of the panel were as follows:

• A 29% increase in each MLA's basic salary (from $76,100 to $98,000).
• Higher salaries for those MLAs who perform additional duties (e.g. Cabinet Minister), including a 53% increase in the Premier's compensation (from $121,100 to $186,200).
• Reinstatement of a defined benefit pension plan.
• Future annual salary adjustments based on BC's rate of inflation.

Overall, do you support or oppose implementing the recommendations of the independent panel?

Comments: Two-thirds (67%) of British Columbians say they oppose implementing the recommendations of the independent panel. Nearly half (48%) of residents say they "strongly oppose" implementing the recommendations.

Men are more likely than women to support implementing the recommendations (39% of men vs. 27% of women).

Preferred MLA Compensation Increase
Q2. As mentioned, the independent panel report recommended an increase of 29% in each MLA's basic salary (from $76,100 to $98,000). If it were up to you, which of the following increases would you recommend?

Comments: Most British Columbians (84%) believe MLAs deserve at least some type of raise. The most popular raise amount is 5% or 10% (52%). Roughly one-third (32%) say that MLAs deserve a raise of 15% or higher. Only 15% believe that MLAs should get nothing (or less than nothing).

Men are more likely than women to say that MLAs should get a raise of 15% or more (38% of men vs. 26% of women).

MLAs Make Sacrifices
Q3. Please indicate if you agree or disagree with the following statement. "Most MLAs work long hours and make significant personal and family sacrifices."

Comments: Seven-in-ten (69%) British Columbians agree that most MLAs work long hours and make significant personal and family sacrifices.

MLAs Could Make More in Private Sector
Q4. Please indicate if you agree or disagree with the following statement. "Most MLAs could be making more money working in the private sector."

Comments: British Columbians are split on the argument that most MLAs could be making more money working in the private sector. About half (46%) agree that MLAs could make more in the private sector, while half (45%) disagree.

Pay Increase Required for Quality Candidates
Q5. Please indicate if you agree or disagree with the following statement. "MLA pay must go up in order to attract quality candidates to run for political office."

Comments: The argument that MLA pay must go up in order to attract quality candidates to run for political office is not persuasive for most British Columbians. Six-in-ten (59%) say they disagree that MLA pay must go up for this reason.

Men (51% vs. 32% of women) and Lower Mainland residents (46% vs. 33% in Rest of BC) are much more likely to be persuaded by this argument for raising MLA pay.

Impact on Future Vote
Q6. Please indicate if you agree or disagree with the following statement. "I would be much less likely to vote for any politician who supports a 29% pay increase."

Comments: British Columbians say they will remember the MLA compensation issue during the next election. Nearly seven-in-ten (68%) agree they would be much less likely to vote for any politician who supports a 29% pay increase.

Women are more likely than men to say they would be much less likely to vote for a candidate who supports a 29% pay increase (77% of women vs. 59% of men).

For more Information on this news release, please contact:
Kyle Braid
Vice President
Ipsos Reid Public Affairs
(604) 893-1605
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid
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