The Tri-Cities' four MLAs took in more than $116,000 in combined remuneration this past spring, according to the quarterly statements released yesterday (Thursday).
The disclosure documents show BC Liberal Doug Horne (Coquitlam-Burke Mountain) earned the base salary of $25,395 for April 1 to June 30 plus another $8,888 for his role as deputy speaker.
His BC Liberal colleague in Port Moody-Coquitlam, Linda Reimer, received an additional $3,809 over the base salary for her executive roles.
In the riding of Port Coquitlam, NDP MLA Mike Farnworth earned $2,596 above his base wage for his parliamentary position as house leader while NDP colleague Selina Robinson (Coquitlam-Maillardville) had no additional salary over the $25,395.
For accommodation, per diem and travel expenses for the quarter, Horne claimed $11,892, Reimer $9,208, Farnworth $9,208 and Robinson $9,230.
As well, running their constituency offices cost a total of $121,428 for the three months, with Horne reporting the highest amount of the four MLAs at $35,757. His filing reveals he spent $29,856 for office administration in the quarter plus $1,759 for special events, $2,249 for communications and $1,445 for office supplies.
The annual budget for MLAs' constituency offices is capped at $119,000.
The compensations and expenses are posted by the provincial government each quarter and can be read at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/accountability/index.htm.
