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NS Liberals Question Government Bonuses |
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Written by NS Liberal Party
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Friday, 03 February 2006 |
Liberal Leader Francis MacKenzie is questioning the Conservative Government's decision to spend more than $370,000 dollars on bonuses for senior bureaucrats, an average increase of 54% over bonuses issued last year. Thirty senior officials including fifteen deputy ministers received the 'pay for performance" bonus as described here: www.gov.ns.ca/tpb/PFP/Performance.asp
"I didn't realize things were going so well in government for so many people to deserve a bonus?" said MacKenzie. "I'm in favour of paying a competitive salary, but why disguise extra pay as bonuses?"
MacKenzie pointed out that the Auditor General has criticized the Department of Community Services for being weak and inadequate in their attempt to place controls over providing financial assistance. However, that department's deputy minister received one of the highest bonuses, more than $17,000, almost double of what she received two years ago.
Tourism numbers are down two years in a row, but the deputy minister of that department received a bonus of more than $12,000. The public service has yet to settle arbitration with civil servants, a situation outstanding for almost 2 years, but the commissioner of the public service received a bonus of more than $13,000.
"These bonuses are more than what many people make in a year. At a time when roads are caving in, wait times for healthcare are getting longer, and hundreds are waiting for a daycare space, this government is handing out cash bonuses and cushy jobs to loyal Tories," added MacKenzie. |
