Court Rules MP Must Accept Statutory Pay Increase, Says House of Commons

The House of Commons answered Conservative MP Mike Dawson’s June request for judicial review by filing an affidavit stating that MPs must receive the salary prescribed by the Parliament of Canada Act, without individual variation. Clerk Eric Janse explained that the sessional allowance, including yearly adjustments, is legally required and that allowing Dawson to opt out would be illegal and would force staff to maintain a separate pay calculation each year.

Dawson, objecting to the $8,800 raise on principle and amid rising living costs, has been donating the funds but wants the right to reject the increase. The base salary for members rose from $208,900 to $217,700 on April 1, reflecting an index tied to private-sector wage growth. A spokesperson for Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia declined comment, noting that full legal arguments are expected within two months.