New Brunswick Conservative MP Mike Dawson, who publicly announced his refusal of an upcoming parliamentary salary increase, faced sharp criticism from the party whip and heckling from colleagues during a caucus meeting.

Dawson’s Stand Against the Pay Bump

In a letter to the House of Commons clerk released Tuesday, Dawson requested a freeze on his salary. He argued that accepting the raise feels wrong amid widespread economic struggles for ordinary workers.

“It’s frankly distasteful that parliamentarians are set to receive a raise while the working man (and woman) in this country hasn’t seen a decent raise in decades,” Dawson wrote.

Backbench MPs currently earn $209,800 annually, with the increase—around $10,000—scheduled for April. Committee chairs, ministers, the prime minister, and other officials receive additional compensation.

Confrontation in Caucus

During Wednesday’s caucus meeting, party whip Chris Warkentin publicly reprimanded Dawson from the front of the room. Sources indicate Warkentin emphasized that the pay adjustment is mandated by law, making acceptance obligatory.

Dawson stood at the microphone to address the leader, whip, and caucus leaders when Warkentin confronted him. Between six and eight MPs heckled Dawson as he attempted to respond, prompting him to abruptly exit the meeting.

Dawson’s Defense and Resolve

Contacted Wednesday, Dawson acknowledged the tension. He noted that Warkentin disapproved of his approach and called him out publicly, suggesting a different method would have been better—though Dawson disagreed.

“It’s my money. If the rest of caucus didn’t want to do it, I didn’t ask the rest of caucus to do it,” Dawson stated. “I didn’t ask the rest of caucus to give the money back but maybe they should. It’s pretty rich and hypocritical to get up on the floor of the House of Commons and talk about the cost of living and then criticize me for wanting to give my money back.”

Dawson described significant interruptions, or “chirping,” from other MPs, preventing him from being heard clearly. He confirmed leaving amid the heckling.

Later, Dawson spoke by phone with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, describing it as a “great conversation” with no disagreements, though he offered no further details.

Dawson remains focused on representing his Miramichi-Grand Lake constituents, dismissing concerns over colleagues’ respect. He reaffirmed his commitment to the Conservative Party, rejecting any notion of switching parties or sitting independently.

Despite potential legal challenges, Dawson vows to proceed. “I’m not stopping. That’s not in my DNA.”