B.C. Premier Christy Clark says that executives at TransLink shouldn't get bonuses and the pay structure at the cash-strapped transportation authority will be reviewed in an upcoming audit.
Nine TransLink executives, including CEO Ian Jarvis, are eligible for the potential bonuses. If they go through, each of the high-ranked employees could receive 15 per cent of their base salary, except for Jarvis, who would be up for as much as 20 per cent -- or $60,000.
Clark told reporters Tuesday that the proposed bonuses are inappropriate.
"I don't think there should be bonuses. I don't think that these executives should be getting them at a time when property taxpayers are under huge pressure all across the province. People are feeling like they're struggling to get ahead," she said.
"I think we all need to buckle down and that includes people in the public sector as well."
The TransLink board of directors will have the final say on whether bonuses are paid out, but CEO Ian Jarvis says that the incentives help improve performance and keeps the corporation competitive when it comes to attracting the best executives.
"Each individual's performance is tied to corporate goals... If these goals are not achieved, no incentive is paid," Jarvis said in a written statement.
He added that the bonuses will be under review for next year's bonuses.
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts says that while she understands the logic behind TransLink bonuses, they are just one example of a larger problem at the transportation authority.
"Fundamentally, I would say that there is not a body that oversees TransLink and I think that therein lies a significant issue," she said.
Last month, the premier ordered an audit into TransLink's books in an attempt to address a $30-million budget shortfall to pay for planned system upgrades. The TransLink Mayors' Council had lobbied the province for the audit, arguing that it would be necessary to justify any new taxes or levies.
But Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender says an audit might not even be required. TransLink commissioner Martin Crilly is currently working on a review he was asked to write in response to requests for a fare increase, and his report is expected to be released on Apr. 11.
"I think we should just cool our jets, wait ‘til we get the commissioner's report, because he's done a very extensive look at efficiencies within TransLink, spent a lot of time and resources to do that," Fassbender said.
Metro Vancouver mayors had asked the province for the right to impose a regional carbon tax or introduce vehicle levies to help cover the funding gap, but the government has indicated it will not approve those options.
With files from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
