A report from the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies shows a large gap exists between the average compensation for public- and private-sector workers, especially in PEI.
Public sector workers on the island receive 40 percent of all labour income, the highest among the provinces; and higher than the rest of Atlantic Canada at 31 percent, and the Canadian average of 22 percent.
Ben Eisen, the Director of Research and Programs at the Institute; says this is a burden for taxpayers.
High rates of public sector employment in Atlantic Canada cost taxpayers almost two billion dollars in 2013.
The authors feel that public sector employment rates should be more aligned with the national average to address challenges to the taxpayers.