JOINTNEWS RELEASE
JOHN BRASSARD, MP BARRIE-INNISFIL
DOUG SHIPLEY, MP BARRIE-SPRINGWATER-ORO-MEDONTE
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When all Members of Parliament receive a legislated pay raise on April 1, Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard and Barrie-Springwater-Oro Medonte MP Doug Shipley will donate the net amount of the raise to the Women and Children’s Shelter in Barrie and the Salvation Army.
“As individual MPs, we can’t stop the legislated pay raise from happening, however, we can decide what to do with it,” Brassard said today. “MP Shipley and I are pleased to support our community for the next year, with contributions to these two local charities as they struggle with decreasing revenue and increasing demand during this difficult time.”
Bill C-30, adopted 15 years ago, mandates salary and allowance increases for MPs and senators each calendar year. Any attempt to stop the 2020 raise would require legislation to be introduced by the government and that’s not going to happen before the increase is scheduled to take effect next week.
“We recognize that many people are losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and stress levels are increasing in our communities,” said MP Shipley. “It’s an extremely challenging time for our local charities, including the Women and Children’s Shelter and the Salvation Army, as they continue helping people in need.
"MP Brassard and I are making this year-long commitment to help them do this difficult job.”
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