Western University president to pay back salary after 'sunshine list' controversy

LONDON, Ont. -- Western University president Amit Chakma has voluntarily refunded the sabbatical payment after his nearly $1 million salary last year was publicly disclosed.

Chakma usually earns about $440,000, but received more than double that after working through his planned sabbatical year.

Chakma says he will also give up payment in lieu of administrative leave at the end of the following term in 2019.

Western University's board of governors says it has hired former judge Stephen Goudge to review the president's compensation practices.

The moves come after the release of the province's annual sunshine list showed Chakma's was paid $967,000 in 2014.

The board says Chakma's contract is in line with other institutions, but will implement the recommendations that come from Goudge's review.