EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach earns more money than any other premier in Canada.
Stelmach’s salary was just over $201,000.
But factor in a tax-free allowance, a third of his base salary, and Stelmach earns more than any other premier in Canada.
This has raised eyebrows at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Spokesman Scott Hennig says there’s little justification to be the highest, but adds that’s something for the citizens to decide.
In 2008, the Stelmach Tories gave themselves a hefty 30 per cent pay hike but rolled it back somewhat when the recession hit after intense public scrutiny.
Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt says despite what the numbers say, the premier’s salary is not too high.
“But when you think about the responsibilities that the premier has and the size of the budget, $200,000 even $250,000 is not a whole lot of money,” Bratt says.