John Rustad’s decision to allow his MLAs to collect two taxpayer salaries shows he’s not focused on priorities of everyday British Columbians.

13 newly elected MLAs had served on various local governments at the time of their election. The six of those who are BC NDP MLAs have stepped down or indicated their plan to do so. But at least two BC Conservative MLAs - Misty Van Popta and Korky Neufeld - have declared their intent to carry on at both levels. Heather Maahs and Jordan Kealy have not announced any plans.

“Being an MLA is a full-time job and the people we represent deserve a full-time commitment from us,” said Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood. “British Columbians are facing some real challenges and they deserve MLAs who are 100% focused on addressing priorities like healthcare, housing costs, and the cost of living. Every single BC NDP MLA on David Eby’s team is dedicated to the full-time work of helping British Columbians.”

Rotchford is a former Esquimalt councillor who stepped down from that role to focus on the job of MLA.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation recently launched an online campaign attacking both Eby and Rustad on the topic. The BC NDP has received over 2,000 emails from that campaign and is responding to each of them to clarify that only BC Conservative MLAs are double dipping.

“With the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s campaign suggesting both parties are double dipping, it is important to be clear that only John Rustad’s MLAs are collecting two taxpayer salaries at the same time,” said Rotchford. “Rustad is sending a clear message that he and his MLAs aren’t focused on the challenges British Columbians are facing. He’s just not looking out for people.”

A copy of the CTF email is available here.