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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says that he is disappointed with comments made
this morning in the media by Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan justifying
salary discrepancies at government boards and agencies identified by the
Auditor General. Reid says this morning’s comments are the exact opposite of
what the minister stated when in Opposition. Earlier this week, the
Auditor General released his report outlining problem areas with senior
employees at boards and agencies who are not following salary and benefit
guidelines outlined by government. In many cases, these employees are taking
extra pay and benefits that they are not entitled to receive under current
government policies.
"While in Opposition, Minister Sullivan stated that employees at boards
and agencies should be paid at the same level and follow the same guidelines
of all government employees," said Mr. Reid. "This morning, I was shocked
that the minister was trying to justify why high ranking bureaucrats at
boards and crown agencies should receive extra payments. This is totally
contradictory to what was said just over two years ago, and is in conflict
with the recommendations of the Auditor General.
"I believe Minister Sullivan is trying to defend these employees because
a large number of them are political appointments of this government.
Instead of moving forward with remedial action to stop these excess
payments, the minister seems content to allow the practice to continue and
allow his political friends to benefit from the public purse.
"This Auditor General’s report is the first full year report card on the
Williams Administration. If today’s reaction from Minister Sullivan is any
indication, I wouldn’t expect to see the salaries of senior employees of
government boards and agencies brought back into line with government policy
anytime soon."
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