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Polite letter about MP pensions OK’d

Maple Ridge council would like a review of pensions for Members of Parliament.

Council has decided to send a polite letter to Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission MP Randy Kamp and the prime minister to review pensions for Members of Parliament.

It did so Monday after receiving a letter from John Kelly on the topic. The letter pointed out that MPs only have to serve six years to collect a pension at age 50 and that taxpayers contribute $23 for every $1 that MPs contribute.

“I think it’s fair to ask the question,” said Coun. Cheryl Ashlie.

The pension system is “unbelievably generous,” she added.

However, the process of raising MP contributions is already underway, Kamp said earlier.

 

Food security

Maple Ridge is joining with Kwantlen Polytechnic University, along with other cities, farm and industry groups to develop a food security system.

The participation means Maple Ridge will be chipping in $4,000 a year for three years for the project. The money will come from leftover funds from the agricultural committee.

Kwantlen wants to develop a regional food system for southwest B.C.

Total cost for the project is $1.5 million. The Real Estate Foundation is kicking in $300,000, while universities are contributing $627,000.

Such a plan would maximize local agricultural advantages and is expected to reduce reliance on food imports and create commercial and employment opportunities.