Ontario Teacher Emails Every MP, Urging Rejection of Annual April 1 Pay Increase
In a bold move highlighting growing public discontent, an Ontario teacher has emailed every Member of Parliament, imploring them to voluntarily forgo the annual April 1 pay increase. Conservative MP Mike Dawson has already refused the raise, calling it "distasteful" at a time when many Canadians are struggling financially.
A Tradition Under Scrutiny
Under the Parliament of Canada Act, MPs traditionally receive a pay raise each year on April 1. This year, the increase amounts to 4.2 percent, translating to approximately $8,800 for backbench MPs, $13,000 for ministers, and $17,600 for the prime minister. After the adjustment, backbench MPs will earn around $218,600, ministers $322,700, and the prime minister $437,200.
However, David Suchanek, a business and economics teacher from Oakville, Ontario, has challenged this practice. In a group email sent to all parliamentarians, he wrote: "I am writing to ask that you voluntarily forgo this increase, in solidarity with the millions of Canadians currently facing financial hardship."
Leadership and Public Sentiment
Suchanek pointed to Conservative MP Mike Dawson as an example of leadership. Dawson, a small business owner representing Miramichi—Grand Lake in New Brunswick, informed the clerk of the House of Commons on February 10 that he would not accept the raise. In his letter, Dawson criticized the increase as "distasteful" and stated he "cannot in good conscience accept the pay increase of nearly $10,000" while everyday Canadians struggle with rising living costs.
"MP Mike Dawson has already set the standard by refusing his hike, proving that true leadership is about more than just optics, it's about fiscal responsibility and accountability," Suchanek emphasized in his email. "While some dismiss the $5 million total as a small figure, I see it as a vital test of character for our elected officials."
Widespread Opposition and Poll Results
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has echoed Suchanek's call, urging MPs to "stop the April 1 politician pay raise." Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director, stated: "Taxpayers are disgusted by the automatic pay raise culture in Ottawa and we expect our politicians to show leadership by saying 'no' to another helping of taxpayer cash."
Recent polling data supports this stance. A Leger poll released by the CTF shows that 78 percent of Canadians support Dawson's decision to reject the pay raise, and 80 percent oppose the MP pay increase altogether. "Here's something Dawson needs to remember: He may be alone on this issue in the House of Commons for now, but regular taxpayers across Canada are standing with him," Terrazzano added.
The Mechanism Behind the Raises
The annual pay adjustments are legislatively mandated, with remuneration packages adjusted each April 1 based on an index of average-percentage increases in wages from major private-sector settlements. Despite this automatic process, Suchanek urged MPs to "choose the path of easy sacrifice over automatic entitlement," highlighting the disconnect between political salaries and the financial realities faced by many citizens.
As the April 1 deadline approaches, the teacher's email campaign and Dawson's refusal have sparked a broader conversation about accountability, leadership, and the appropriateness of pay increases during times of economic strain for ordinary Canadians.
