Calgary mayor hopefuls slam Enmax CEO's pay
Enmax CEO Gary Holden took home $2.4 million in 2008 and $2.7 million in 2009, including base salary and bonuses, making him one of the highest paid heads of any publicly owned company or government agency in Alberta, the CBC has learned.
Holden is also provided with a car and driver, and has hosted parties at his Calgary-area house featuring big-name rock stars — events paid for by Enmax.
Taxpayers are justified in questioning what's happening at the company, said mayoral hopeful Naheed Nenshi.
Holden's compensation is approved by the Enmax board of directors, Nenshi said. But that board — which includes two aldermen —should keep in mind that Enmax is a city-owned company and is ultimately spending taxpayers' dollars, he said.
According to mayoral candidate Ald. Ric McIver, Holden's pay and perks are "obscene and unforgivable," and the board owes Calgarians an explanation.
There seems to be a limitless "air of entitlement" at Enmax, said McIver, who added he would change that if he's elected mayor.
Most Calgarians would find Holden's pay to be excessive, said mayoral candidate Barb Higgins. Enmax's operations should be reviewed, she said.
Higgins said she attended a party last year at Holden's house, where singer Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip performed.
But she had no idea that the event was funded by Enmax, she said, calling the arrangement inappropriate.