Motion backers may maximize benefits
'Dumb question' – Miltenberger when asked if pensions factored into move to extend terms
Laura Busch
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, March 12, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The mover and seconder of extending their terms, Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen and Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger, will each reach maximum pension benefits in 2016.
According to the most recent pension administration report tabled Feb. 6, the five-term MLAs had 3.36 years left to reach their maximum pension as of March 31, 2013.
If their terms in office were extended approximately 10 months from the current election date of Oct. 12, 2015, they will reach their maximum pensions.
Both Miltenberger, 62, and Groenewegen, 58, assumed office on Oct. 16, 1995. Until MLAs officially change the upcoming election date, the territorial government is mandated to hold the next election in 2015.
"We have two members who are very long-serving members and are reaching the point where they are reaching the maximum," said Darrin Ouellette, director of corporate services for the legislative assembly. "At the end of the day, they are just going to receive the maximum pension benefits."
Retired MLAs cannot earn more than 75 per cent of the average of their four highest annual earnings, said Ouellette.
"Going beyond that maximum, you're really just working for your pay of the day," he said.
Currently, as a cabinet minister, Miltenberger collects a total annual salary of $163,239; Groenewegen, as deputy speaker, is entitled to $123,932 a year.
When asked whether their pensions factored into moving and seconding the motion to extend their terms, a visibly angry Miltenberger called the question "insulting" and "dumb."
"Mrs. Groenewegen and I came out - she is the deputy speaker and I am the government house leader - we came out of caucus agreeing we would put a motion on the floor for debate," said Miltenberger.
"We did that in that capacity. End of story."
Groenewegen did not respond to a request for comment.
