Clark moves to tighten taxpayer accountability at public sector bodies

VICTORIA – Premier Christy Clark wants to keep a tighter rein on the purse strings at British Columbia’s Crown corporations, especially the salaries and perks received by its executives.

Clark says the taxpayer accountability principles she’s introducing will enshrine efficiency, accountability and cost-consciousness into the operation of the province’s public sector bodies.

The premier says for the first time, board members of public sector organizations will be accountable for these values, in an attempt to drive principled and cost-conscious culture across the public sector.

Clark’s announcement does not mention several high-profile and costly issues tied to former executives at B.C. Crown corporations.

Former BC Lottery chief Michael Graydon abruptly left his position earlier this year to head a private gaming venture in Vancouver, but not before receiving a payout that included severance of $125,000.

Former BC Ferries chief David Hahn negotiated a $1 million annual salary, and the former Crown-owned BC Rail had 20 executives on the payroll earning $4 million even though the public company had no trains.