Some call for Verner to give back severance cheque after Senate appointment
Posted May 20, 2011 6:01 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – It has only been a few weeks since she received it, but some people are already calling for Josee Verner to give back her severance cheque.
Verner was one of many Conservative MP’s and Ministers in Quebec to lose their seats during the May 2 federal election, but on Wednesday she became one of three rejected candidates named to the Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The severance money is given to MP’s to help in their transition back into private life.
When Verner lost her seat in the election she was given $116-thousand as severance.
However, now that she is headed to the Senate, she will make at least $132-thousand a year.
Scott Hennig with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation told 680News that it is a slap in the face to voters who are now paying almost double for someone they did not want in office.
“She’s not easing back into private life, she’s easing back into the Senate,” said Hennig. “We’re hoping that she does the right thing and says no I’m not taking the money.”
He added that you take into account the office and travel expenses, as well as the salaries for their staff, the three Senators will cost taxpayers between $1.5-million to 3-million a year.
