The Yukon government is not talking about a massive raise it has approved for Craig Tuton, the Yukon Hospital Corp. Board of Trustees' chair.

According to a cabinet order dated June 11, 2010, Tuton will receive nearly a tenfold increase in financial compensation for serving as the hospital corporation chair.

The job now comes with a $2,000 monthly stipend, which did not exist previously.

As well, remuneration for meetings is doubled from $300 to $600 and includes $300 in preparation time the chair can bill for each meeting.

The hospital board meets 12 times per year, which qualifies Tuton for a maximum $34,800 plus travel expenses of $50 for each hour spent in transit to and from board gatherings.

Previously, the hospital corporation chair received $300 per meeting while directors could claim $200.

The new order-in-council also doubles directors' compensation to $400 and provides for $200 in preparation time, "regardless of its duration.”

The same day Yukon Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber signed off on the order to provide Tuton and company with their hefty pay increases, Health and Social Services minister Glenn Hart announced Tuton was stepping down as chair of the Yukon Workers'

Compensation, Health and Safety Board.

Tuton said he was leaving the workers' compensation board to spend more time with his family.

However, sitting on the hospital board will come with increased responsibilities as it has assumed responsibility for health care delivery in Watson Lake and Dawson City that were previously administered by Health and Social Services.

Adding to the hospital board's workload is overseeing $67 million worth of loans to construct two new hospitals – one in Dawson and another in Watson Lake – as well as a new nurses' residence in Whitehorse.

Today, when the Star contacted the ruling Yukon Party's cabinet for comment on the increased wages to be paid to hospital corporation directors, it was referred to the current chair.

Tuton was unavailable for comment on his raise as of press time early this afternoon.

The hospital corporation's board of trustees include directors Wes Wirth, Joy Waters, David Ravensdale, Frances Woolsey, David Borud, Donna Hogan, Adeline Webber, Darline Richardson, Dr. Sherillynne Himmelsbach and Richard Durocher.