Canadian provincial lawmakers earn nearly double the pay of U.S. state legislators

A Canadian Taxpayers Federation report finds provincial politicians earn about twice as much as their American counterparts, with little evidence that higher pay improves outcomes for taxpayers.

Research released by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation reveals that provincial politicians in Canada receive salaries almost twice those of U.S. state legislators, with an average of C$115,378 versus C$58,241. Seventy percent of Canadian lawmakers earn above C$100,000, contrasted with just 18 percent of American representatives. The analysis finds no clear link between generous pay and superior fiscal results, noting that states like Texas and North Dakota pay low salaries yet boast higher GDP per capita than any Canadian province.

Conversely, Canadian provinces with the highest salaries also impose top marginal tax rates exceeding 50 percent. The report quotes CTF directors from Alberta and British Columbia, who argue that larger paychecks have not delivered better services for taxpayers. It also points out that several U.S. states with modest tax rates pay their legislators under C$50,000, reinforcing the weak correlation between pay and performance.