EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released severance pay calculations for all 13 members of Edmonton's city council, including the 10 who are seeking re-election on Monday, October 15th.

The Edmonton city council "transition allowance" was recently increased (vote occurred on the same day city council voted for the 21 per cent pay and perk hike). Before the boost, council "transition allowance" was calculated as two weeks salary for every year served on council (retroactive to 2001) up to a maximum of 24 weeks. With the change, council "transition allowance" is calculated as three weeks salary for every year served (retroactive to 2001) up to a maximum of 36 weeks.

Retiring city councillors (Terry Cavanagh, Janice Melnychuk and Michael Phair), will all receive an estimated $25,672 in severance payments.

If they are defeated on October 15th, members of city council will receive:

New                             Old

Transition                    Transition

Allowance                    Allowance

Stephen Mandel $49,142                       $32,761

Bryan Anderson          $25,672                       $17,115

Jane Batty               $25,672                       $17,115

Ed Gibbons             $25,672                       $17,115

Ron Hayter             $25,672                       $17,115

Karen Leibovici       $25,672                       $17,115

Dave Thiele         $25,672                       $17,115

Kim Krushell       $12,836                       $8,557

Mike Nickel             $12,836                       $8,557

Linda Sloan           $12,836                       $8,557

This boost in the "transition allowance" could cost taxpayers an additional $106,233.

"This 50 per cent hike in severance pay was largely overshadowed by the 21 per cent boost to council pay and perks, but it certainly adds up," stated CTF-Alberta director Scott Hennig. "This is a complete double standard. No city worker or any worker in the private sector would be eligible to collect severance pay if they retire or are fired with cause."

In its submission to the council compensation review committee, the CTF recommended the city council "transition allowance" be eliminated. The committee rejected the CTF's recommendation.

Alberta Municipal elections

The CTF has taken an active role in Alberta's upcoming municipal elections. The following links will take you to various discussion on important taxpayer issues concerning the elections.

• Calgary City Council Severance Pay Calculations
• Edmonton City Council Severance Pay Calculations
• Taxpayers stonewalled by City of Calgary on new taxing powers
• Edmonton City Council voting records
• www.EdmontonVotes.ca
• CTF to candidates: Time to show your donors.
• Edmonton candidate survey results
• Calgary candidate survey results