WINNIPEG — The former head of Manitoba Hydro, Jay Grewal, received a substantial payment of just over $881,000 last year, even though she was dismissed only six weeks into the fiscal year. This figure starkly contrasts with her compensation in previous years, which ranged from $500,000 to $546,000 when she completed a full year in her role.
The recent annual Manitoba Hydro compensation report reveals that the significant amount Grewal received last year likely included a large lump sum payment made upon her dismissal as president and chief executive officer. However, Manitoba Hydro has not disclosed specific details regarding this payment, only stating that it was in accordance with the terms of her contract and confirming that no severance was issued to her upon her departure.
Grewal's tenure was marked by controversy, particularly regarding her statements about Manitoba’s energy sourcing. She sparked discontent within the government when she suggested that the province should reach out to independent producers to generate power from wind and other renewable sources. In contrast, the newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) government expressed a clear stance that any new energy resources would need to remain publicly owned.
The change in leadership at Manitoba Hydro came swiftly after the NDP won the provincial election in October 2023, leading to a complete overhaul of the Manitoba Hydro board, which subsequently resulted in Grewal’s departure. Following her dismissal, Allan Danroth was appointed as her successor in the summer of last year and earned a total of $192,454 for the duration of his employment.
The Canadian Press sought further details on Grewal's compensation package by applying under Manitoba's freedom of information law last year. However, this request was denied under a clause that protects personal information regarding third parties, allowing the government to withhold such information.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding energy management in Manitoba, particularly concerning the differing philosophies of the previous Progressive Conservative government and the current NDP administration. The roadmap for Manitoba Hydro includes ambitious goals such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2035, which has been a key point of contention between the two parties.
Despite the ongoing debates surrounding energy strategy and management in Manitoba, the specifics of Jay Grewal's final compensation package remain largely undisclosed, illustrating the complexities involved in executive compensation in government-owned enterprises.
