More money possibly coming to pay councillor's assistants
Winnipeg city councillors could be getting more money to pay their assistants and set up community offices.
A report at city hall says the turnover rate for councillor assistants is at 50 per cent.
The money that goes toward paying assistants comes out of the annual allowance for the ward – just under $85,000 - which is significantly lower compared to other cities in the country.
In Edmonton, the allowance is $176,984, $280,900 in Calgary and more than half a million in Toronto.
That money is also expected to be used to cover office supplies, furniture, business meals and other expenses.
Coun. Devi Sharma said she is lucky that she has had her executive assistant with her since 2015.
"There's been some of my colleagues, they've had seven assistants in the matter of a few years in one term," said Sharma.
The reason for the high turnover is mainly due to low pay, long hours, and councillor assistants aren't eligible for a pension.
"I'd like to hire a permanent (executive assistant), the challenge I have as I've done interviews, one gentleman said to me, 'I make more, Russ, driving a taxi,'" said Coun. Russ Wyatt.
But changes could be coming. Following a vote at the mayor's executive policy committee, consideration will be given in next year's budget for a dedicated fund to pay assistant salaries and vacation, and to provide them with a city pension.
"I'm open to an increase in funding to the ward allowances," said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
Money for a community office for councillors will also be considered. Right now, Sharma is the only member of council who operates one.
"I think it's a very good thing. It's difficult for folks to come meet with their councillor at city hall," said Sharma.
There is also a measure to increase the ward allowances to the rate of inflation but it's unclear how much all of this could cost.
The report says, on average, 62 per cent of ward allowance funding is spent on assistant salaries and benefits.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.