Jason Unrau
Northern News Services
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - A private members bill changing how payments to outgoing MLAs are meted out was passed in the legislative assembly last month.

Introduced by Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger, the amendment to the Executive Council Act ensures members receive what's known as a transitional allowance if they resign mid-term.

Under the old legislation, an MLA could lose their entire allowance, calculated on the number of service years, if that person left office before the current mandate ended.

"It was not supposed to be so punitive, it was all or nothing," said Miltenberger of the old legislation and why he wanted it changed. "And circumstances happen, there could be an illness in the family and you resign, then you'd be penalized, and I don't think that's fair after you've put in all the time."

The Thebacha MLA rejected the suggestion he introduced the bill to pave the way for members wishing to run in a federal election which some anticipated would happen before the 15th Assembly wrapped up this fall.

"I can tell you I am not involved in the political aspirations of any other MLA," he said. "Whatever they choose to do that's their decision. I would not be doing something at this juncture to assist any political aspirations at the federal level."

Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee, who was touted as a possible federal Liberal candidate, also dismissed the act was changed to accommodate members who want a crack at federal politics.

"I don't believe it had anything to do with that, it was an administrative fix for an anomaly," Lee said, adding she was seeking another term in the legislature. "I have no intention of resigning."

For each year of service, an MLA is afforded a transitional allowance equal to one-twelfth of their salary to a maximum of $60,000.