During Tuesday’s provincial election, 43 MLAs lost their seats, while another 25 are set to retire. It’s estimated that Albertans are now on the hook for $13.4 in transition allowances, and another $7.1 million in retirementment contributions.
Former premier Alison Redford got rid of the transition allowance in 2012, but it wasn’t made retroactive. Payments are based on three months salary for each year served, so retiring Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley MLA and cabinet minister Hector Goudreau is expected to receive $515,000 after his two terms, with $159,000 in RRSP contributions.
Frank Oberle was ousted as Peace River MLA and Energy Minister, and could get $333,000 for his work since 2008, along with $138,000 for his RRSP. Since he was only in for one term, Associate Ag Minister and Grande Prairie-Smoky MLA Everett McDonald won’t get a transitional allowance, but can collect $61,000 in taxpayer RRSP contributions.