CALGARY, AB – Wildrose Leader Heather Forsyth released the following statement on Premier Jim Prentice’s office reducing the salaries of senior staff:
“This is a badly needed concession from the Premier’s office after weeks of relentless pressure from Albertans and members of the opposition.
“The reality is Mr. Prentice’s office has ballooned to one of the most expensive in Canada and still maintains among the most expensive salaries for senior staff across government. Recent budget estimates from Ontario show Premier Kathleen Wynne’s office total $2.7 million, or about $1.5 million cheaper than the cost ($4.2 million) of Mr. Prentice’s office after today’s announcement.
“It is obvious more needs to be done to reduce excessive wages and staffing in ministerial offices. We are still waiting for more meaningful wage reductions across all managerial levels in government. This begins with scrapping the $55 million 8 per cent wage increase handed out to senior managers and appointees this past summer and rubber stamped by Mr. Prentice after becoming premier.
“The Wildrose will continue to push for these measures and put forward positive and meaningful ideas that will further protect Alberta taxpayers.”