A new study says government workers across Atlantic Canada are earning more than comparable private‑sector employees.
The Fraser Institute reports a 6.3 per cent wage premium for public‑sector workers in 2024 after adjusting for factors such as age, education, occupation and type of work.
The institute describes itself as an independent, non‑partisan public policy think‑tank.
The study also points to wider gaps in non‑wage benefits.
Government workers retire earlier, take more personal leave and are far more likely to have a registered pension plan, according to the report.
Provincial breakdown of wages and benefits
In New Brunswick, the study says public‑sector workers retire at an average age of 62.1, compared to 65.3 in the private sector.
They take 15.3 personal‑leave days a year, compared to 10.7, and 90.2 per cent have a registered pension plan, compared to 21.2 per cent of private‑sector workers.
In Nova Scotia, the report shows a public‑sector retirement age of 62.6, compared to 65.1 in the private sector.
Public‑sector workers take 16.3 personal‑leave days, compared to 11.0, and 94 per cent have pension coverage, compared to 20.6 per cent of private‑sector workers.
In Prince Edward Island, the study says public‑sector workers retire at 63.1, compared to 67.2 in the private sector.
They take 14.8 personal‑leave days, compared to 8.0, and 63.6 per cent have pension coverage, compared to 11.9 per cent in the private sector.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the report shows a public‑sector retirement age of 61.5, compared to 64.0 in the private sector.
Public‑sector workers take 19.7 personal‑leave days, compared to 9.7, and 90.4 per cent have pension coverage, compared to 23.5 per cent of private‑sector workers.
“Bringing government‑sector compensation in line with the private sector would not only help governments in Atlantic Canada control spending without reducing services, but would also maintain fairness for taxpayers,” said Jake Fuss, the institute’s director of fiscal policy.
Policy analyst Grady Munro said the findings show wages and benefits in the government sector are “out of step” with the private sector, though he added that governments still need competitive pay to attract qualified workers
