Premium Compensation: The Ballooning Cost of Federal Government Employees

Summary:
Citation William Robson and Laurin, Alexandre. 2017. "Premium Compensation: The Ballooning Cost of Federal Government Employees." ###. Toronto: C.D. Howe Institute.
Page Title: Premium Compensation: The Ballooning Cost of Federal Government Employees – C.D. Howe Institute
Article Title: Premium Compensation: The Ballooning Cost of Federal Government Employees
URL: https://cdhowe.org/publication/premium-compensation-ballooning-cost-federal-government-employees/
Published Date: May 11, 2017
Accessed Date: December 15, 2025

The cost of federal employees has risen rapidly, with total compensation per employee jumping nearly 5% per year on average over the past decade, says a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Premium Compensation: The Ballooning Cost of Federal Government Employees,” authors Alexandre Laurin and William B.P. Robson argue that containing these increases will be tough but vital in getting federal spending onto a sustainable track.  

Membership Application

Interested in becoming a Member of the C.D. Howe Institute? Please fill out the application form below and our team will be in touch with next steps. Note that Membership is subject to approval.

"*" indicates required fields

Please include a brief description, including why you’d like to become a Member.

Member Login

Not a Member yet? Visit our Membership page to learn more and apply.