Time to BAN DOUBLE DIPPING?
Last time the City of Richmond, BC held a byelection, in 2021, it was Councilor Linda McPhail who stated at that time, “I don’t think we can shortchange democracy.” referring to any thought of not having a byelection.
Let’s talk about shortchanging democracy.
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If an MP can not fully commit to their new role, and not fully commit to their city council role, yet get compensated by both the city and the federal government as if they had a full commitment to both, is there not a problem with this?
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Certainly in the private sector, this may constitute a form of theft.
But even if legal, doesn’t make it ethical.
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“Double dipping generally refers to receiving compensation from two sources for the same period of work.
In the context of a politician holding both a municipal and federal office, it can be perceived as double dipping because they are receiving two salaries while arguably being unable to fully dedicate themselves to both roles simultaneously.”
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While some politicians justify this by donating one salary to charity or stepping down from certain responsibilities to mitigate the perception of double dipping, the key issue isn’t just the pay but whether they are effectively fulfilling the duties of both roles without conflict or neglecting constituents.
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The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, “argues that the practice of receiving multiple salaries is a form of “double-dipping” and is not in the best interests of taxpayers.”
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Donating salary to charity, no matter how well intended does not negate the fact that it is still double dipping with taxpayers dollars.
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Taking money from taxpayers for work you are not going to do, yet you were hired to do, and then donating it to charity, well that’s very creative, isn’t it.
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I don’t know how other taxpayers feel, but for the charities I donate to, I can certainly do it myself, and don’t feel a need to pay politicians to donate for me.
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How much does a byelection cost?
It turns out a very small percentage % of the city budget.
Operating $450M + Capital $150M = $600M
$700K = 7/100 of 1% of the budget
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But rather than give you some abstract number, here’s an analogy to consider:
If $600 million (city 2025 budget) were large pizzas, it would be 72 of them (850 slices); a byelection ($700,000) would be just one slice!
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So what happens when proper oversight by council is missing?
Global News just recently exposed the generous gifting of gift cards at the City.
And in January the Richmond News reported on large executive compensation at the Richmond Olympic Oval with Clr. Wolfe, as the new liaison, stating how the city needs to play a greater oversight role.
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Anyone who says city council governance it’s important or the full commitment of councilors is not necessary, I ask, at what cost to our city?
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A choice to double-dip sets a dangerous precedent that undermines taxpayers confidence in elected officials.
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In 2020, former Councillor Kelly Greene rightfully stepped down in similar circumstances and as a result Richmond gained the representation of Clr. Hobbs, who still serves today. Just last Friday, newly elected MP for White Rock, Ernie Klassen, did the right thing and stepped down from his city council role to avoid potential conflict of interest and ethics violations.
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If elected officials prioritize cost-saving over dedication to their oath of office, public trust will be further eroded.
While a by-election has a cost, democracy demands full accountability.
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Difference between the law and ethics? Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
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Richmond residents deserve full leadership from those elected, not a compromise in representation.
SIGN the PETITION at:
Change.org: https://www.change.org/StopMPDoubleDipping
To the Government of Canada,
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"We, the undersigned concerned citizens, call upon the federal government to prohibit Members of Parliament (MPs) from simultaneously holding another elected office, such as municipal councilor, school trustee, or provincial legislator."
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Why This Matters
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Strengthening Democracy
Democracy works best when elected representatives are transparent, accountable, and fully committed to the people who elected them. Holding more than one elected position undermines public trust, creates potential conflicts of interest, and blurs lines of responsibility. Clear rules ensure voters know exactly who is representing them and where that representative’s priorities lie.
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Divided Focus and Accountability
MPs holding multiple elected positions dilute their ability to dedicate themselves fully to federal responsibilities. The public deserves legislators whose primary focus—and loyalty—is their federal role, free from time conflicts and competing responsibilities.
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Taxpayer Fairness
Collecting two salaries from the same taxpayers—often referred to as “double dipping”—undermines fairness. Provinces have began recognizing this issue and have passed legislation mandating that MLAs/MPPs who hold a municipal or school board seat are automatically disqualified—i.e., deemed to have resigned—from that local office.
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Provincial Prohibitions
Canadians deserve a representative who is all-in on the job they were elected to do and one who isn’t splitting their focus between two different levels of government. British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba already prohibit dual mandates.
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Taxpayer Advocacy Support
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has long opposed unfair benefits and practices. “double dipping” with government pensions and salaries, is particularly egregious when taxpayers, who don’t enjoy such perks, foot the bill. The Federation’s advocacy highlights the expectation that public representatives should not benefit from redundant compensation.
Our Request
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Amend the Canada Elections Act (or appropriate federal statutes) to explicitly disqualify a sitting MP from holding any additional elected office, whether municipal, provincial, or school board.
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Ensure automatic resignation from the lesser office upon election to the House of Commons.
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Integrate and reference the rationale and language from provincial legislation such as British Columbia’s Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, which provides a clear, legal model.
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Pursue related reforms to ensure full-time dedication to elected office and uphold proportionate accountability to voters.
What You Can Do
Sign this petition to show your support for accountable, focused, and full-time representation in Ottawa.
Share widely—encourage others to stand against double dipping and for good governance.
Together, we can modernize federal standards, ensuring our MPs are fully accountable, focused, and fair to taxpayers.
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Thank you for your support.
HELP Us Collect Signatures
Email Jerome: Dickey4Council@gmail.com
We have a a goal of collecting 10,000 signatures by November 15, 2025 to move this forward to being presented in the House of Commons!
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If you have an hour or two and want to help end double dipping by federal Members of Parliament, please let us know and we will provide details to help where ever you live in Canada.
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It takes Canadians to protect and strengthen our democracy
Thanks for your help!
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