Military pay increase welcomed-by MP Rochefort

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort is welcoming new investments in Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

She’s supporting Friday’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney, detailing improvements in pay and benefits for military members.

“I am delighted to see the hard-working men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces recognized in a meaningful way,” says Rochefort.  “For both regular and reserve forces, a competitive wage is essential as we attempt to bolster our ranks through recruitment and retention.”

She adds the investment helps to solidify 22 Wing and the Algonquin Regiment as essential parts of the community and important economic drivers.

“I campaigned on the importance of reinvesting in the Northeastern Ontario economy — including 22 Wing — in line with Prime Minister Carney’s plan to rebuild, rearm and reinvest,” says Rochefort. “Strengthening Canada’s military presence is paramount and this support for personnel through pay raises must be followed by enhancing facilities and programming for military families.”

New measures announced Friday include:

• Increases on top of base pay, retroactive to April 1, resulting in an 8% raise for Colonels and above, a 13% raise for Lieutenant-Colonels and below, and a 20% increase in pay for Privates in the Regular Force
• A new Military Service Pay benefit, specifically tied to time in service.
• Additional compensation initiatives to be rolled out over the next 12 months, including support for frequent moves and separation from families, to help attract and retain the best instructors at training schools, raises to help CAF members training for combat, and additional pay for CAF members who serve in natural disasters.

The federal government says the announcement is part of the strategic investments to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target this year and invest 5% of annual GDP in defence by 2035.

Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years.  From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.