British Columbia Premier David Eby’s recent cabinet expansion has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, with BC Conservative Leader John Rustad calling it a "blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars." Rustad and other critics argue that the expansion represents unnecessary government growth and political patronage, raising concerns about increased costs for salaries, pensions, and administration.

These expenditures, he says, risk diverting funds from essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Eby’s expanded cabinet includes 27 members—23 full ministers, four ministers of state, and 14 parliamentary secretaries.

Here’s how the MLA base salary has grown over the years:

• 2017 MLA base salary: $105,881.

• 2020 MLA base salary: $111,024.

• 2024 MLA base salary: $119,532.

Basic compensation is adjusted annually on April 1 to reflect any percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index from the previous year.

Cabinet members in BC earn supplementary salaries on top of their MLA base salary of $119,532. Full ministers receive an additional 50 percent of the base salary, amounting to $59,766 annually. Ministers of state receive an extra 35 percent, or $41,836 annually, while parliamentary secretaries earn an additional 15 percent, or $17,929 annually.

Premier David Eby’s newly-formed cabinet includes 23 full ministers earning a total of $1.4 million in additional salaries annually and four ministers of state earning $167,344. Alongside the cabinet, 14 parliamentary secretaries earn $250,006. Including base MLA salaries, Eby’s cabinet and parliamentary secretaries cost $6.7 million annually. Over four years, taxpayers will pay more than $26 million for these roles, excluding pensions and administrative expenses.

Comparison to previous administrations

The BC Liberal government’s cabinet in 2013 consisted of 19 full ministers, one minister of state, and 14 parliamentary secretaries. The total cost of this cabinet plus parliamentary secretaries, including MLA base salaries, was $4.7 million annually.

Former premier John Horgan’s initial cabinet in 2017 was composed of 20 full ministers, two ministers of state, and six parliamentary secretaries. The cost of his cabinet plus parliamentary secretaries that year, including base salaries, was $4.2 million annually.

By 2020, Horgan’s final cabinet had grown to include 20 full ministers, four ministers of state, and 13 parliamentary secretaries. The total cost of this expanded cabinet plus parliamentary secretaries was $5.6 million annually, reflecting both an increase in MLA salaries and a larger number of parliamentary secretaries.

Critics Question Government spending Priorities

Critics like Rustad argue that Eby’s increase in cabinet size and associated costs reflect political patronage rather than a focus on public priorities. In a social media post, Rustad called the expansion a "blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars" and said it diverts resources away from essential services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

“Every new minister means more funding spent on administration instead of schools, hospitals, and infrastructure,” Rustad stated.

While Premier Eby defends his cabinet as necessary to address the province’s challenges, including affordability, the growing financial burden raises questions about what British Columbians get in return. As MLA salaries and cabinet sizes increase, so do the costs borne by taxpayers—sparking debates about efficiency, governance, and fiscal responsibility. BC faces a record $8.9-billion deficit coming out of a provincial election, with the total debt projected to exceed $129 billion. The province’s annual interest payments have reached $3.5 billion, or $9.6 million per day.

Criticism from opposition leader Rustad is unsurprising, given his role. However, it is notable that his party has also welcomed individuals linked to past government spending controversies. For more details, see Coastal Front’s report on the issue HERE.