NDP severances an insult to Manitoba taxpayers, federation says

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is angry that nearly $700,000 in severance has been paid out to former Manitoba NDP staffers.

Seven staff parted ways with Premier GregSelinger'sgovernment as a result of the party rebellion in 2014.

The party shelled out$670,000 in severance packages to people like Liam Martin,Selinger'sformer chief of staff.

• Departed Manitoba NDP staffers paid nearly $700K in severance
• Selinger parts ways with senior staffers who backed Oswald

Three former directorsin Alissa Brandt, AnnaRothney and Jen Anthony,who backed Theresa Oswald's bid to take Selinger's jobduring the recent party leadership election, also left their positions and were given severance.

Todd MacKay, prairie director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said the severances are an insult to hardworking taxpayers.

"It's hard to imagine any way that you could justify to taxpayers who worked hard to earn this money and who pay these taxes, what kind of return they're getting on that investment," said MacKay.

MeaghanDewar,MattWilliamson and SallyHousserround out theex-staffers whoshared in theseverance package deals.

Selinger defends 'standard human resource practice'

"Certainly when people voluntarily left to try to oust the guy they were working for previously, there's no way to tell taxpayers that the money they worked hard to pay is justified in this kind of situation."

Progressive Conservative LeaderBrian Pallister is wondering if the generous packages are hush money to keep people quiet.

"Civil servants have to work a year to get one week of severance. The numbers we are seeing are showing us these folks are getting fouror fivetimes as much. It creates the impression there is some kind of hush money program going on here and that is not good. "

Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari saidSelinger is wasting taxpayer dollars on political payouts to cover the cost of his failure to lead.

In response, Premier Greg Selinger issued a written statement.

"Severance is a normal part of government and private businesses. It is not unusual for governments across the country to negotiate severance agreements. I can confirm that we have completed mutual separation agreements with seven individuals. The global amount is $670,000. These payments were negotiated based on legal advice and follow standard human resource practice. I don't comment on individual personnel matters and respect the privacy of our staff, past and present."