Harper paid deputy minister bonus before elections

Canada’s deputy ministers got some of the highest average bonuses in more than a decade in the months leading up to the last federal election, according to government data published, reported a leading TV channel. The channel revealed making obvious reference to the data that the average bonus handed out to deputy ministers for 2014-15 by then prime minister Stephen Harper’s government was $21,211 — the highest average amount since 2003-04.

The bonuses come on top of an average cheque for so-called “at risk” pay of $47,942.

An analysis of Treasury Board and Privy Council Office data shows that, overall, bonuses for deputy ministers have risen 109 per cent since 2003-04, while “at risk” pay is up 164 per cent, reported the TV channel. Traditionally, the government has argued it needs to offer performance pay to attract the best and the brightest into public service.

Those who perform to the level expected get “at risk” pay — a term that reflects the fact that they risk not receiving it if their performance is unsatisfactory. Bonuses then go to those who perform above and beyond expectations.

Base salaries for deputy ministers in 2015 ranged from $192,600 to $326,500. When it comes to doling out performance pay, deputy ministers and executives are evaluated on how successful they have been in running their own departments and in implementing the objective set by the government.

In 2014-15, the objective was successfully implementing the Harper government’s cost-cutting plan. The corporate priority for 2015-16 centred on recruiting people with skills needed in the future and improving mental health in the workplace. This year’s priority, for 2016-17, is mental health. Performance pay figures for 2015-16, which will begin to reflect the choices of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, are not yet available.