EDMONTON — As the government moves forward with expanding salary disclosure legislation, at least one affected group is raising concerns.
The Alberta Medical Association said publicizing doctors’ salaries will not give the public an accurate picture of what they actually make.
In a letter to members, AMA President Dr. Carl Nohr said much of their salary goes towards overheard costs like staff salaries and office space.
Despite the concern, Alberta’s health minister said they still plan to move forward with the new rules.
“We really value the contributions of physicians, and I think that Albertans have a good reason to want to know what the compensation level is,” Sarah Hoffman said Wednesday.
“The public deserves to know what investment we’re making in public services, including the paying of teachers, the paying of doctors—expanding the opportunity for transparency and openness to include agencies, boards and commissions.”
Nohr also pointed out the potential of unintended consequences, including criminal targeting of homes and families, identity theft and bring targeted by cyber criminals.
The Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act, introduced in November, expands the province’s sunshine list to require disclosure of salaries for all employees of public sector bodies, including Alberta Health Services and post-secondary institutions.
The list includes those making more than $125,000 per year.
Comments