Sunshine List will expose six-figure salaries of Alberta government employees

[Codes]

I can't even imagine what clearing $100k would be like. I imagine my monthly expenditures would be accordingly higher, but I feel I live comfortably clearing a third of that.

However, toss a kid in there, and I'll be singing a different tune. Also, Lethbridge is not Calgary, so there is that.

[GirlySports]

the question is how many of these people with 100K salaries are 'house poor'?

You are only as rich as the size of your mortgage.

[-TC-]

Originally Posted by yads

First of all University costs are tax deductable, second so are RRSPs (assuming any of the $7200 goes into an RRSP), third the car amount is quite high (assuming this is for 1 car).

That's roughly what my car costs me....all in, except fuel and basic maintenance

I didn't factor deductions, capital gains etc because it was really quick math and not a complete analysis.

The question was asked of how $100K could be spent, just a quick response.

The reality is everyone's situation is different and one persons excess is another's getting by. I was simply trying to provide an example of how that money could get spent without gross excesses.

There's a bunch of "experts" passing judgement, I thought some numbers might help.


On topic: I disagree with releasing names...I don't disagree, in principle, with disclosing pay scales. However, in Alberta, if you want to compete for good minds against oil & gas etc you need to spend money to get the talent.

[-TC-]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Add back your tax return given your University costs and tuition.

Also, I am assuming your are paying for your kids university tuition 100%? Why not have them pay half and you pay half? Many people work through university too.

Ah . . . Who am I kidding, you're right. 100k is just balls to live on.

I have a deal with the munchkin, she's working but she's in a tough program and I want her to focus.

[-TC-]

Originally Posted by ynwa03

Yeah, $100,000 a year is not enough if you plan on living like you're making twice that.

Just because you make a certain salary, does not mean that is how much you have to spend.

Spending $450/month on Cable/Internet/Phone/Mobile is a bit ridiculous.
So is an extra $250/month on entertainment.

Your math is all wrong

[taco.vidal]

List is posted on AB government website.

News release with link to list:
http://alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=35...90D0025E098804

[llwhiteoutll]

This list would mean a lot more if the cut off was $200k. Having the cut-off at $100k would make sense if it was still the '80s, but these days a construction labourer can clear $100k.

Having a list with over 6,000 names on it is pointless. If they do this with Calgary, then the list will probably be close to 2,000 names.

[malcolmk14]

All of the ones near the top are medical examiners except Gary Mar, who makes $300k a year to be the Alberta Representative in Asia.

[killer_carlson]

This is so outrageous.

Why are these people having their privacy shredded? Can the same disclosure not be given by listing the title and the salary?

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by llwhiteoutll

If they do this with Calgary, then the list will probably be close to 2,000 names.

Over 3,000 City workers make more than $100,000

[llwhiteoutll]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

This is so outrageous.

Why are these people having their privacy shredded? Can the same disclosure not be given by listing the title and the salary?

Because a vote is worth more than someone's privacy.

[GP_Matt]

Wow, in 2012 Gary Mar was the highest paid government employee at $385000 in total compensation. That was the job that he was given along with his huge severance cheque.
That is insane.
Otherwise the top of the list is filled with doctors which makes sense to me.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by llwhiteoutll

Because a vote is worth more than someone's privacy.

Does anyone realistically think the government is more transparent because of this?

Or when people think about "transparency in government" are they more interested in untendered contracts, self dealing and patronage appointments?

For me it's the latter. I'm pretty sure i'm not the only one.

[Ace]

I find this list disgusting! I could see some merit if it was more than $250,000 but this is just stupid and unnecessary, and as I previously said it's going to drive up salaries and bonuses.

Edit (more rant): I for one would't want family and friends to know exactly what I make, or even the coworker to my right, or scammers and identity thieves...like what the heck!

[bradster57]

Originally Posted by Ace

I find this list disgusting! I could see some merit if it was more than $250,000 but this is just stupid and unnecessary, and as I previously said it's going to drive up Salaries and bonuses.

Totally agree. As someone who works at a private company, I would hesitate to ever move to a government job because of this lack of privacy. Raise it to at least $250k.

[Violator]

There are people on there make more in benefits than I make in a year.

[Joborule]

What's the point of knowing all these people salaries? Think the government is missing the point when we speak of transparency. This is something Calgary Sun commentators would want, but not sure of majority of the rest.

[Matty81]

I agree with everybody saying this is a major violation of people's privacy.

In bc it is even worse, 75k and up.

Just a joke that your neighbor can go online and see your wages, or worse yet any scam artist or thief.

[llwhiteoutll]

They should get anyone who wants access to submit their verified T4, then their full wage is posted up as well.

Bet you see the demands for this kind of thing dry up then.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Joborule

What's the point of knowing all these people salaries? Think the government is missing the point when we speak of transparency. This is something Calgary Sun commentators would want, but not sure of majority of the rest.

Derek Fildebrant from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation is also tweeting a list of people, their salaries and benefits. Apparently some people are excited to be able to go down the list and see what everyone makes.