By paNOW Staff

Salaries of Saskatchewan government employees released in public accounts

Oct 7, 2010 | 4:43 PM

Sarah Mills

CJME

Government salaries are being scrutinized with the release of the public accounts for 2009-2010 and those closest to the premier appear to get the biggest bonuses.

In a news release, the government is quick to point out it has reduced travel by 19 per cent from the previous year to $599,362.

Communications costs also fell 12 per cent in the same time to $10.7 million.

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But it is a different story when it comes to salaries. Reg Downs, the premier's senior advisor saw a $20,000 increase in just one year, mainly due to unused vacation pay. Downs' salary sits at $190,580.

Finance Minister Ken Krawetz maintains such increases are needed.

“To obtain good staff there have been increases in the private sector and individuals that come to work in this building (the legislature) need to be compensated,” said Krawetz.

But Downs has been one of Brad Wall's best friends since their university days and has worked alongside him for many of the preceding years.

The NDP calls such salaries out of touch when there is a $1 billion deficit.