Former northeastern Ontario MPs to get $59K to $119K in annual pension, says lobby group

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the federal government to reign in the retirement pay for MPs, as four former members from northeastern Ontario become pensioners.

For years, after every federal election, the lobby group has calculated how much each departing MP will receive in pension and publishes a list of estimates, because it says the government doesn't make those figures public.

"It's taxpayers money. Canadians deserve to know," said the organization's federal director Franco Terrazzano.

"I don't think it's going to sit well with many Canadians who are struggling just to get by."

The federation estimates that former Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus, will receive an annual pension of $119,000 after 20 years in the House of Commons.

Not far behind him, Anthony Rota— who served 16 years as MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming, including nearly four as Speaker of the House— is estimated to be getting $113,000 every year.

Both decided not to run again and neither replied to CBC's requests for comment.

Carol Hughes spent 16 years as the MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing before deciding to retire this year.

She says the federation's estimate of her annual pension at $99,000 is probably accurate.

"I don't think that anybody actually goes in there thinking 'Hey, I'm going to get a good pension, that's why I'm running.' I would hope not, because it's a lot of work," Hughes said.

"I certainly didn't even know anything about the pension when I ran. And it's difficult for individuals to leave their careers behind, run for election and not have anything at the end of the day."

Provincial politicians used to receive a similar pension after serving a minimum of six years, but that was scrapped nearly 30 years ago and replaced with a one-time severance payment.

"I have heard from MPPs that they find it very difficult," Hughes said. "If we want to attract great candidates... we have to look at a proper benefit program."

But she added that she does think a review of the pension system, or any long-standing policy, is always a good thing for the government.

Marc Serré lost his seat in the April 28 election, after nine years as the MP for Nickel Belt.

In a statement to CBC, he said the Canadian Taxpayers Federation estimate of his annual pension at $59,000 was "on the high side."

"I'm grateful for the pension I received and deeply appreciate the many people who have reached out with support. Serving as a Member of Parliament comes with enormous personal and family sacrifices, and I'm proud of what we achieved together in Nickel Belt," the statement reads.

"Unfortunately, pension figures are sometimes used as partisan wedges, when in reality they reflect service from across the political spectrum."

Terrazzano says the taxpayers federation would like to see the federal government eliminate the second pension for prime ministers— Justin Trudeau gets one for his 17 years as MP, plus a second for his nine years as prime minister— as well as space out annual salary increases, which ultimately also drive up pension payouts.

"There is no way that MPs should be continuing to give themselves higher pay every year," he said. 

"We would be thrilled if all members of Parliament from all parties came out and said 'We gotta dial this back.'"