I disagree with "let's not get distracted by the money".   

In Ontario, the strategy of paying high to attract the best has resulted in extremely high levels of compensation for everyone throughout the government eco-system.  It is not acceptable to tax payers.   Now Mr. Butts is taking the same approach in his role with the Federal Government.   Taxpayers are fed up with repeated examples of excessive compensation within government.  If the standard pay was not sufficient for Mr. Sarkar, then another person with equal or better credentials could and should be hired (and yes, there are plenty out there).  The author fails to mention to lucrative cost-of-living and other assistance compensation that Mr. Sarkar will receive to be re-located in San Francisco.   Canadians are not as stupid or ignorant as Mr. Butts and the author have assumed.   I hope we pay attention to the money - it is being spent indiscriminately all too much.