Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton spent $17,899 on travel and expenses, while newcomer MLA Doug Bing (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) spent only $8,185, according to figures released this week by the B.C. legislature.
The expenses were incurred by the Liberal MLAs as they represented the people of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows from April 1 to Sept. 30.
Included in the numbers are the accommodation allowances politicians receive for staying in Victoria.
Dalton received $6,000 and Bing received $3,432.
The tallies also include the daily bonuses or per diems that MLAs receive while they’re in Victoria to sit in the legislature.
Each MLA receives $61 a day for that, without any receipts required.
Both MLAs received about $900 in that category.
Other categories that make up the total travel expenses paid to MLAs include an allowance for in-constituency travel as well as general travel.
Bing’s totals are less than Dalton’s because Bing was elected for the first time during the May 2013 provincial election.
Port Coquitlam NDP Mike Farnworth’s expenses were $13,712.
The information has been made public since 2007 when the Members Remuneration and Pensions Act came into effect.
Since the act became law, information on MLA salaries have been public on the legislative website.
In October 2013, additional information on Members’ remuneration has been posted to fulfill a commitment made by the all-party Legislative Assembly Management Committee to public disclosure.
As for wages earned, Bing received $39,069 for five months’ work, while Dalton, an incumbent MLA, earned $57,781 for the six-month period. MLAs earn $101,859 in base salary.
• See all MLA salaries and expenses @ http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/remuneration/indemnities_and_allowances.htm#basiccompensation