How much does it cost to get rid of an MLA?

In the last legislative assembly, MLAs voted to pay what they call a “transitional allowance” to MLAs who quit the assembly or are defeated in an election.

The purpose of these payments is to help former MLAs ease their way back into the workforce. Each retiring member is entitled to six weeks pay for each year of service, up to a maximum of $70,000.

Retiring members may choose to receive this money in one payment, or have it paid out every two weeks over six months.

These members are also eligible for the MLAs’ pension plan, and if they choose to participate, the MLAs’ supplementary pension plan.

Here are the transitional allowance payments given to ex-MLAs before Feb. 16, 2004, totalling $92,405:

James Arvaluk (Nanulik): $37,078
Jack Anawak (Rankin North): $55,327
Here are the transitional allowance payments given to ex-MLAs between Feb. 16, 2004 and March 31, 2004, totalling $166,204:

Ovide Alakannuaq (Akulliq): $33,674
Enoki Irqittuq (Amittuq): $35,999
Kevin O’Brien (Arviat): $5,750
Glenn McLean (Baker Lake): $9,061
Kelvin Ng (Cambridge Bay): $11,411
Donald Havioyak (Kugluktuk): $7,163
Uriash Puqiqnak (Nattilik): $9,274
Rebecca Williams (Quttiktuq): $3,668
Manitok Thompson (Rankin South-Whale Cove): $12,287
David Iqaqrialu (Uqqummiut): $37,917
In addition, Kelvin Ng received a ministerial indemnity of $3,582, Manitok Thompson received a ministerial indemnity of $3,274, and Kevin O’Brien received a speaker’s indemnity of $3,274.

Most of these members also received small, pro-rated northern allowance payments of varying amounts under $100.

Those members who chose to receive the transitional allowance bi-weekly may have received payments after March 31, 2004. That information won’t be available until 2005.

Source: Report tabled during the second session of the second Nunavut legislative assembly.