Mr. Chairman, I think there is the general perception across Canada that politicians are fat cats who live well. I think we must look at the amount of unemployed people across Canada who say, I could handle an $85,000, $100,000 or $50,000 a year job. We have seen this crusade across Canada towards politicians and the increases that we can vote ourselves. I think that there is some justification on behalf of people. In some jurisdictions, MLAs and MPs are well paid and taken care of well.
I admit that we work long hours and we spend a lot of time away from our families. I admit that we have odd hours and travel at a moment's notice, et cetera, but when you use that kind of argument, Mr. Chairman, the people on the street say you didn't have to run in the election anyway. You knew what you were doing when you signed on. I think there is not an MLA in this House or in any House across Canada who did not phone, first of all, to the Clerk or to the Legislative Assembly and say, what kind of a deal am I getting myself into? What are the conflicts of interest? What salaries are there? How do I get reimbursed, et cetera? So, I think it may not appear to be a lot of money, Mr. Chairman, but I think there is a message from constituents to elected Members that they don't want to see any more. It may appear to be a small dollar amount but, certainly, the intent is there. We are not going beyond what is there at the present time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.