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NDP Questions Government Bonuses |
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Written by NDP News Release
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Friday, 03 February 2006 |
NDP Treasury and Policy Board Critic Kevin Deveaux says that like most Nova Scotians he was shocked to read that government executives continue to be awarded large performance bonuses by the Conservative government.
"Let's face it this is just top-up money," says Deveaux. "These bonuses appear to be tied to job title and not to anything more measurable."
"It's a tight circle and the rewards are there," says Deveaux. "But the rest of Nova Scotia, working just as hard to earn a living, has to wonder what this group is doing to earn these rich rewards."
"After all the largest bonuses, nearly $32,000 split between two people, are paid in the Department of Community Services. A Department that meets its budgetary targets by giving individuals on social assistance only $194 a month for food."
"The reasons for bonuses of this scale had better be pretty impressive, and as far as I can see they are not."
Deveaux notes that benchmarks usually given like met expectations or improved the lives of Nova Scotians are difficult to quantify or demonstrate, and are at best are being met by most workers throughout the province - none of whom expect or receive bonuses like this.
"Right now in my own constituency the employees of Ocean View Manor have voted to strike for fair wages and basics benefits like a dental plan," says Deveaux.
"It's going to be hard for them, and it's hard for me, to accept that our taxes are being used to give thirty very well-paid civil servants top-up money like this for only the very vaguest of reasons." |
