Edmonton

Jim Prentice announces 5% pay cut for top political staff

Premier Jim Prentice has announced a five per cent cut for his top political staff, effective March 31.

Staff salary cuts come after weeks of spending reductions

Premier Jim Prentice is making spending cuts to deal with a $7 billion drop in revenue. (Jason Franson/Canadian Press)

Premier Jim Prentice has announced a five per cent cut for his top political staff, effective March 31.

“As we address the budgetary challenges facing our province, my cabinet and my office will continue to lead by example. I appreciate my staff’s willingness to step up," Prentice said in a statement on Wednesday.

The cuts are expected to save more than $104,000 a year.

The most recent pay cut comes after Prentice, provincial ministers and MLAs agreed to reduce their salaries by five per cent. 

Last week, the province announced it would close its foreign trade offices in Ottawa, Chicago and Munich, as well as suspend proposed locations in Brazil and California.