Calgary’s CAO discloses pay amid calls for better transparency

The salary for the top unelected official working for Calgary city council has been released publicly. The disclosure follows calls for better transparency.

Calgary’s top unelected official makes $410,000 a year, city councillors heard on Tuesday afternoon as the group discussed a motion calling for better pay transparency.

David Duckworth, the city’s chief administrative officer (CAO), disclosed his own exact compensation at the meeting, explaining it is the same pay he received last year.

The city does publish a compensation disclosure list annually, but it only includes salary ranges for each city position.

“It’s a pretty robust document. There’s always room for improved transparency. I am in full support of this notice of motion. I think it’s a wise idea. So, you have my full consent (to release my compensation),” Duckworth said.

The CAO is an employee of city council, not the City of Calgary, and councillors vote on pay adjustments for the position.

Earlier this year, council voted in favour of a steep increase to the pay range of the position, but the discussion happened behind closed doors.

A notice of motion put forth by Coun. Sonya Sharp called on administration to release the CAO’s salary pay band publicly on an annual basis.

It was unanimously approved.