Re: "ICBC told to slash costs, CEO resigns," Aug. 17.
What the government has done leaves my brain swirling. The CEO of the Insurance Corp. of B.C. resigns but will remain on salary, and no doubt bonuses, until the end of November.
It doesn't end there. He will remain as a consultant until June of 2013 on a salary of $8,000 a month, and no doubt at the end of that term will probably receive a separation payment in the six figures. Where can I apply for a job in one of B.C.'s Crown agencies?
I was surprised to find that government house leader Rich Coleman, the wily veteran that he is, was unaware of what ICBC was doing. Come on!
While I agree that political ministers should not be expected to micro-manage their departments, they must be held accountable and, therefore, should carry out an annual review or audit. To this end, they rely on deputy ministers to keep them up to date on the operating efficiency and identify cost-savings for the department.
When you hear about the shenanigans that were going on at ICBC, I expect the deputy minister has been re-assigned and new blood put into the position.
Moreover, I should expect the minister to dismiss the board of directors, handsomely paid to guide the Crown corporation for the government. Boy, did they ever fail on their watch.
Rob Edington
Victoria
