October
9, 2001
For Immediate Release
“I asked my constituents what I should do
and they have responded.”
Yorkton – Today Garry Breitkreuz, Member of
Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, released the results of a survey he conducted
through his mailing to all households in the riding. He asked constituents if they think their M.P.
should accept the raise in salary that was passed through the House of
Commons in June: 66.4% said Breitkreuz should accept the raise.
‘I voted against this Bill because it shouldn’t be me,
but rather my constituents that decide my salary.
That is also the reason I did the survey. However, the people of Canada could have decided this issue
at the time of the next election, we put in an amendment to this effect, but it
was voted down.”
“Most of the comments received in my office indicated that
many people believe that there should not be two levels of pay for Members of
Parliament – one for those who accept the raise and one for those who did not.
They felt that a Liberal M.P. is not worth more than an Alliance M.P.,”
said Breitkreuz.
However, many were also opposed to any pay raise for M.P.’s.
There were many farmers who felt it was not right for Members of Parliament to
raise their pay at a time when farmers are struggling.
Breitkreuz continues with his commitment to the people of
Yorkton-Melville. “You elected me to be your representative in Ottawa and I
will continue to do my best to speak on your behalf. It’s a very large riding with many differing viewpoints on
issues, but my priority is to be responsible to the voters of this riding.
I thank them for taking time to respond,” Breitkreuz concluded.
-30-