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Taxpayers call for HRM salary cuts to avoid tax hikes

Author: Devin Drover 2026/04/13

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Halifax Regional Municipality to rein in bloated senior salaries at city hall and stop hiking taxes on residents.

“Before city hall comes back asking families for even more money, councillors should take a hard look at the six-figure salaries already on the payroll,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director and General Counsel. “Taxpayers are tightening their belts. It’s time city hall did the same.”

The number of city hall employees on the sunshine list, meaning they were paid more than $100,000, has more than doubled over the last decade, according to analysis completed by the CTF.

Chief Administrative officer Cathie O’Toole received $312,418.69 in taxpayer compensation in 2025. That is more than most senior bureaucrats working for the Government of Nova Scotia, including the clerk of the executive council.

HRM councillors hiked residential property taxes by 8.5 per cent this year. Advocates have also warned that residents could face tax increases of 40 to 50 per cent over the next five years.

“At a time when families are already stretched thin, city hall should be looking for savings, not bigger tax bills,” Drover said. “Council needs to get spending under control and start with the top.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Andy Fillmore’s push to review city hall salaries was voted down by other members of council.

The CTF is calling on council to conduct a comprehensive review of management compensation and reduce senior salaries before considering any further increases.

“You don’t solve affordability problems by asking residents to pay more while city hall executives take home more every year,” said Drover. “The city needs to solve its budget woes by looking in executive offices, not taxpayer pockets.” 

 

Halifax Regional Municipality Sunshine List

Year

Number of Employees

Cost

2016

606

$71,097,567.98

2017

533

$61,301,420.98

2018

893

$107,485,613.52

2019

799

$94,515,948.21

2020

924

$110,292,731.51

2021

1001

$117,115,513.14

2022

1047

$128,490,838.18

2023

1156

$154,375,342.91

2024

1246

$162,463,790.86

2025

1306

$172,970,551.55

 

 

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