MP Mike Dawson challenges annual pay raise in Federal Court

Conservative MP Mike Dawson is seeking judicial review in Federal Court to decline an annual pay increase. Dawson, who represents Miramichi-Grand Lake, New Brunswick, argues that elected officials should demonstrate “fiscal restraint and solidarity with ordinary Canadians” amid rising living costs.

The pay increase, which raises the base salary from $209,800 to $217,700, is being contested by Dawson, who has been donating his raises to charity but wishes to formally decline them.

House of Commons Clerk Eric Janse filed an affidavit stating that under the Parliament of Canada Act, all members must be paid the legislated amounts. Janse argued that deviating from these adjustments would be both illegal and would require the House administration to undertake unnecessary administrative measures not required for other members.

A hearing is expected to take place in late December following the submission of legal memoranda from both parties.