B.C. premier rips TransLink exec bonuses

B.C. Premier Christy Clark has openly criticizeda lucrative bonus program for nine TransLink executives, saying they dont need more money than they're making already.

Under the current rules, if the executives meet their corporate targets, they are entitled to bonus of 15 per cent of their annual wage.

The latest financial report from TransLink shows members of executive team each took home more than $200,000 in 2010, with the CEO making more than $350,000.

"At a time when property-tax payers are under huge pressure all across the province and people are feeling like they are struggling to get ahead ... No, I don't think they should be getting bonuses," Clark said Tuesday.

The province is currently auditing the transit authority after property tax went up to cover a $30-million transit expansion.

"Bonus structures and pay structures will certainly be a part of the audit," Clark said. A written statement from Translink says it has a rigorous process to determine award of any incentives.

The statement also said that this year, members of executive group all qualified again, but the extra payments have not been awarded because the authority has put the bonus program under review.