Merry Christmas! Government claws back dad's pay advance over holiday

Dean Ashby is experiencing his own nightmare before Christmas, thanks to ongoing Phoenix pay problems. The father of two had to break the news to hischildren that there won't be many presents under the tree this year.

• 10,000 cases remain in Phoenix pay problem backlog

"I'm stressed," said Ashby."My blood pressure is through the roof. I'm ready to give up."

Why would you do it at Christmas? It's not nice- Dean Ashby, Manager at Measurement Canada

The Measurement Canada manager received an emailconfirming the government is clawing back most of his next three paycheques over the holidays.

"It's very disheartening when you look at your paycheque for the two weeks before Christmas and it's $600," said Ashbyin Penticton, B.C."My mortgage is more than I'mgoingto get paid over the next month."

Ashbytook a $3,500 salary advance to pay his mortgage in the summer after not getting paidfor seven pay periods.Now, more than half a year later, thegovernment is taking that money back.

"Why would you do it at Christmas? It's not nice. Let me get my head above water first. You still owe me," he said.

Ashbyestimates the government owes him$1,500 for missing pay and thousands of dollars in benefits.

Since returning from leave April 1, Ashby hasn't had extended medical coverage due toproblems with Phoenix. He has had topay out of pocket for his daughter's low-dosage chemotherapy medication for rheumatoid arthritis.

"We've got thousands upon thousands [of dollars] in prescriptions we haven't been able to claim," said Ashby."In the end I'm wishing I'd never taken it because it's a hardship more than anything."

Late processing to blame

Public Services and Procurement Canada told Ashbyin an email that they should have taken back the salary advance earlier, but didn't.

As of Nov.16 the government is clawing back all salary advances taken by employees now getting paid,according to an "emergency salary advance" memo from PSPC sent to public servants.

On Wednesday, the department's deputy minister sent a message to those experiencing pay problems heading into the holidays.

"This has been a very challenging year and I understand how difficult the situation continues to be," said Marie Lemay. "Your patience and tolerance are deeply appreciated.Please know that our top priority remains to provide you with support and to resolve the problems."

"I want to remind employees that there is absolutely no reason you should go without your pay. You can ask for a salary advance for missing pay."

Ashby says that offerdoesn't help him at all. He has alreadytaken out a salary advance and says taking out a second one would be like paying off one credit card with another.

Meanwhile,Lemay saysa review of the Phoenix system could take until the spring of 2017 to complete.