Conservative MP Mike Dawson, representing Miramichi—Grand Lake in New Brunswick, has publicly refused an $8,000 pay raise that is set to take effect for Members of Parliament on April 1. With a current base salary of $209,800, MPs are slated to receive a 4.2 percent increase, which Dawson finds inappropriate given the current economic difficulties faced by many Canadians. In his letter to the House of Commons, he expressed that it is distasteful for Parliamentarians to receive such increases while a significant portion of the working population has not experienced equitable salary growth in recent years.

Dawson’s decision highlights a growing discontent among some lawmakers regarding the federal government's approach to salary increases amid an economic climate where many citizens are struggling with rising costs of living. Dawson argues that accepting a salary increase at this time is inconsistent with the realities faced by constituents who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. He has taken the initiative to request that the House of Commons freezes his salary to reflect these concerns.

This action could resonate with voters who feel that their representatives are out of touch with everyday economic hardships, particularly as inflation and the cost of living continue to be pressing issues in Canada. Dawson's stance may not only garner him local support but may also influence discussions about compensation for MPs in the future, particularly when it appears disconnected from the public's financial struggles.