Enmax CEO Gary Holden made $2.7M last year

CALGARY – City-owned utility Enmax Corp. is keeping quiet on its executive pay packets, but did confirm the pay-cheque and some of the perks paid out to its top officer.

Enmax CEO Gary Holden was paid $2.4 million in 2008 and $2.7 million last year in salary and bonuses, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Enmax reports total executive compensation but does not break it out by officer, a standard practised by publicly traded companies.

"Until now, we haven’t been obligated to," said Ian Todd, vice-president of government and media relations.

He confirmed a report by CBC News on Tuesday that as part of Holden’s compensation package, the chief executive has a company car and driver for work-related business.

According to the report, Holden also hosted Enmax-sponsored parties at his home that included appearances by Canadian musicians Tom Cochrane and Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie.

Todd declined to comment further on Holden’s compensation, saying Enmax does not want to become a civic election issue.

There are two alderman on Enmax’s board of directors, which can review its disclosure policies.

However, the issue has angered a number of other candidates, some claiming it’s another example of council not asking enough questions when it comes to taxpayers money.

"We have to remember that while Enmax is operated as a private company, it is owned by the taxpayers and its only revenue source is the taxpayers of this city," said Naheed Nenshi.

Ric McIver sided with Nenshi on the issue.

"A two million dollar bonus of a whole owned city subsidary is obscene and it’s one of the big reasons I’m running for mayor."

Nenshi also criticized Barb Higgins for attending an Enmax party last year. Higgins’ campaign confirms she went to the party, but assumed it was a private party. Higgins says she supports a comprehensive review of Enmax if elected.