HALIFAX, NS: As the Nova Scotia government faces-off with union leaders over its bill to merge 10 health authorities into two, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) pointed to the recent growth in top-level health care wages as the reason why reform is so badly needed.

According to documents filed with Nova Scotia public accounts, the number of health care workers at Nova Scotia’s health boards earning more than $100,000 increased by 15% last year alone. As of March 31, 2013, there were 545 individuals at health boards earning $100,000; that number grew to 627 in 2014.

“The status quo just isn’t good enough. In order for the health care system to be sustainable in the long term, we need to recognize the need for change,” said Kevin Lacey, Atlantic Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

CTF also noted that each of the 10 health boards has a President or CEO earning anywhere from $205,000 to $350,000 a year. By comparison, neighbouring New Brunswick has just two boards.

“What the government has proposed is reasonable and necessary. It’s time to pass this bill and keep looking for other ways the government can save money to tackle our huge deficit,” added Lacey.