UCP tightening rules for future bonuses after criticism of Hinshaw payment

EDMONTON – The Alberta government is tightening the rules around employee bonuses in light of the six-figure payout to the chief medical officer of health.

Finance Minister Jason Nixon says the civil service has been directed to review and make changes to the rules to ensure future bonus payments during emergencies go through cabinet for approval.

Nixon says the public service should not have the ability to sign off on such big-ticket bonuses.

Earlier this week, the government’s salary list revealed Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the chief medical officer of health, received a bonus of almost $228,000 for COVID-19 work in 2021.