Hefty payouts to former NDP staff members in Manitoba

WINNIPEG — The closely contested NDP leadership race has come at a hefty price to taxpayers.

A government spokesperson has confirmed the cost of severance packages paid out to seven government staff members who parted ways with the Premier’s office while Greg Selinger battled to keep his job, at $670,000.

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This includes the severance paid to his Chief of Staff, Liam Martin, who parted ways with the NDP last year, as well as three staff members who went to work on Theresa Oswald’s campaign.

Selinger narrowly defeated Oswald by 33 votes during the vote for NDP leadership in March.

READ MORE: Greg Selinger keeps job as premier after NDP leadership convention