PC MLAs to return part of the No-Meet Committee pay

Progressive Conservative MLAs are being forced to return their committee pay.

A committee made up of 21 MLAs received $1,000 a month to sit on Alberta’s Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections – Standing Orders and Printing.

The committee hadn’t met in nearly 4 years but they still collected the money.

Premier Redford had suspended pay until a review was done, coming to decision that it would be up to each MLA to decide whether or not to return the money.

An emergency caucus meeting was held Tuesday afternoon, that included what MLA Bridget Pastoor described as a “vigorous discussion.”

After the meeting the party whip, Robin Campbell, came out and addressed the media to say the MLA’s would return the money. However, only the money that has been collected since Redford became Premier.

"We're going to do what makes the most sense," Campbell says adding, "We're not going to shortchange Albertans."

Last week, Liberal leader Raj Sherman, along with Wildrose MLAs Heather Forsyth and Guy Boutilier announced they would pay back all the money they earned for sitting on the committee.

MLA Genia Leskiw would not address the issue at all. When approached by reporters she simply said no and walked away.