The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the transition allowance given to former politicians is costing taxpays too much money, and it is calling on the provincial government to stop handing it out.

On Thursday, the CTF estimated that payouts for the 31 politicians who lost their seats or retired in the election will cost taxpayers almost $3 million this year, with each of them getting an allowance between $36,525 and $109,576.

A CTF news release says former MLA payout is based on the number of years the person has been in office. An MLA can receive one month’s pay for each year they were in office, up to a maximum of 12.

The release adds that MLAs are paid $109,576 per year. The average Saskatchewanian earns about $63,320.