Is being the CEO of a British Columbia health authority a part time job? Or do taxpayers expect that person to dedicate their full attention to one role, in exchange for the measly salary of $350,000 a year?

It’s an interesting question that has emerged after news this week that the BC Greens and NDP have launched a sweeping review of the primary-care health system and community health centres, led by Dr. Penny Ballem.

Ballem, you might remember, was appointed by the NDP government not two months ago to be interim CEO of the Provincial Health Services Authority. She was given what seemed like the enormous job of reviewing the leadership and structure of an organization that includes the BC Children’s Hospital, BC Cancer, the BC Ambulance Service, the BC Centre for Disease Control and more.

Thousands of employees. More than $5 billion in annual spending. Orders to crack it all open, review how it’s working and report back a new structure with efficiencies.

It was billed as a full-time gig, and came with a full-time salary of $350,000. Even Minister of Health Josie Osborne thought it was a job worth Ballem’s complete attention, when asked during her ministry estimates.

“I’m grateful to Dr. Ballem for having accepted the position as an interim CEO,” she told the legislature.

“That is just what she will be. Again, I know that she will be wholly........

© BIV