Councillor Asks Colleagues To Take Pay Cut
In a case of perhaps hoping for three times lucky a councillor proposed that the majority of council take a 20 percent pay cut. But as in the other two attempts the end result was the same.
Asking for a re-vote to a motion he had made at the June 29th Executive Committee Councillor Brian Swanson asked for the 20 percent cut in pay. But this time, instead of asking the pay cut be for all of Council, the motion was for only the councillors to take the 20 percent reduction.
“I’m moving that the councillors, I didn't include the mayor, receive immediately a 20 percent reduction in pay in recognition of the pandemic and the consequences it has,” Councillor Swanson said.
“Just the other day a report came out that 40 percent of Saskatchewan's workforce is receiving benefits from CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit), 200,000 people in Saskatchewan…on a proportionate basis that would mean 6,500 people in Moose Jaw.”
Councillor Brian Swanson reads out a motion on Monday evening regarding Council's remuneration and the effects of the COVID - 19 pandemic - MJ Independent photo
“It's a great disruption in personal lives financially, socially. Also the negative impact on business, particularly small business,” he said.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a program which gives financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who are directly affected by COVID-19.
Councillor Swanson additionally stated the pay cut would show solidarity for those hurting financially because of the pandemic. He also argued due to the pandemic councillors were not as busy as they had been.
Councillor Heather Eby said Councillor Swanson was playing politics with the issue.
“I understand why Councillor Swanson would want to do this, it is a great political move,” Councillor Eby said.
Councillor Eby said she did not support the reduction in pay going on to state if such a thing happened then councillors “could take a cut (in pay) and then apply for CERB.”
Despite understanding the philosophy of the pay cut she said it was not appropriate.
“Although I respect what this is going to accomplish I don't feel it’s the way to go.”
Councillor Dawn Luhning disagreed with Councillor Swanson' s assertions councillors' workloads had decreased.
“I don’t think any of my committees have taken a break during COVID - 19…I don't believe my workload has lessened at all,” Councillor Luhning said.
Councillor Luhning explained she had used software from her job in order to participate in virtual meetings with the committees she represents the City on.
Councillor Crystal Froese said since the start of the pandemic her workload had increased.
She made mention of her boards still meeting plus additionally taking part in every on-line meeting of businesses facilitated by the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce.
It needs to be noted the Chamber conferences are at her own initiative.
“I don’t believe any of us are sitting on our laurels at this time,” Councillor Froese said.
Councillor Chris Warren echoed his fellow councillors by stating despite the pandemic Council still met for their regular meetings as well as their in-camera Strategic Planning Sessions.
Councillor Warren said he was disappointed the COVID - 19 pandemic was being politicized.
“I too am disappointed at Councillor Swanson to use the challenges (of the pandemic) for this purpose,” he said.
In a 6 - 1 vote Council rejected the paycut to councillors.
Councillors Scott Mcann, Luhning, Eby, Froese, Warren and Mayor Fraser Tolmie voted against the immediate 20 percent cut in pay.
Only Councillor Swanson - as in his two previous attempts - voted in favour of his motion.