Regina city councillors will receive an update on the situation regarding City Manager Niki Anderson at Wednesday’s meeting. According to the meeting’s agenda on the city’s website, a report from Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski will be presented to his fellow council members. However, what that report contains is not a part of the information available online. Anderson has been on leave since April 29. Since her absence, few details have been provided by city administration as for the reason behind the leave nor how long it would be – only that she has been dealing with a described “personal matter.” “[She] provided notice that she’s on leave right now. That’s where we’re at,” Mayor Chad Bachynski told reporters April 30. Anderson was hired in November 2022 after previous City Manager Chris Holden was fired in February of that year by the previous iteration of council, led by former Mayor Sandra Masters. At the time of Holden’s termination, a reason was not provided for the dismissal. City Clerk Jim Nicol has been acting as the city manager on an interim basis since a special meeting of council on April 30. Immediately following the completion of that special meeting, Anderson’s chief of staff – Ly Pham – was terminated from her position. Christine Pirlot – Anderson’s former executive assistant – and former director of Indigenous relations and community development Audra Young were also let go by the city. According to the 2024 public accounts, Anderson is city’s highest paid employee, making more than $317,000 last year. During her tenure as city manager, Anderson also served as a non-voting chair for the Regina Exhibition Association’s board of directors.
