Greens topped up deputy leader’s pay
The Green Party quietly paid an additional “stipend” on top of a House of Commons salary to a former NDP MP who became Green deputy leader.
Bruce Hyer, defeated in last month’s election, admitted he was paid extra money by the party to perform additional functions in the position, even though Green Leader Elizabeth May didn’t take additional funds for her work in the top job.
Hyer, first elected as a New Democrat in 2008, left the NDP caucus in 2012 over his support for ending the long- gun registry, then sat as an independent. He joined the Greens in December 2013, and was named deputy leader shortly after, becoming the second- ranked official in a caucus of two.
Neither the Green Party nor Hyer would say how much additional money he took home on top of his $ 167,400 MP salary.
“I got a stipend to be the deputy leader and do extra work,” he said.
He noted that officials in other parties, such as House leaders, whips and parliamentary secretaries, also receive additional payments.
The Green Party never publicly disclosed it was paying additional money to Hyer until asked about it by the Citizen.
Spokesman Julian Morelli said the amount paid is private information and declined to provide the figure.
“He was brought on as deputy leader to perform tasks, work on weekends, work outside his normal workload as an MP,” Morelli said.
Morelli said he wasn’t sure if the payment would be discontinued now that Hyer has lost his seat.
Mark MacKenzie, a former president of the Green Party, said the federal council that governs the party was never told the exact amount Hyer was paid under the arrangement struck between Hyer, May and then- executive director Emily McMillan.
He said some on the council were “not crazy” about the deal when they learned of it in early 2014.
“Some people on federal council raised a bit of an eyebrow, but others were fine with it,” MacKenzie said. “It was at the point where our fundraising was starting to move.”
Former Green Party deputy leader Georges Laraque, a former NHL player, wasn’t paid a salary, MacKenzie said.
“He didn’t need the money and his heart was very much in it, with his strong commitment to being a vegan.”
Leaders of recognized parties in the House of Commons receive at least $ 56,800 in additional pay — more if they lead the government or Official Opposition — on top of their base MP salaries. May does not receive this as the Greens do not have party standing.