WINNIPEG-They chose to quit their jobs, and are still getting a severance pay-out anyway. Global News has learned several city councillors as well as the mayor are eligible for a massive severance.

Councillors Justin Swandel, Dan Vandal, Scott Fielding; mayoral candidate and current councillor Paula Havixbeck; and Mayor Sam Katz are all on the list for tens of thousands of dollars.

Based on Swandel’s 2013 salary of $117,000 the Canadian Taxpayers Federation estimates his payout would be over $60,000. He refused an on-camera interview but told Global News over the phone, “I will take what I’m entitled to, no more no less.”

In 2011, city councillors voted to award themselves three weeks salary for every year in office, up to a maximum of six months, when they left office.

Councillor Dan Vandal could collect $54,000, Scott Fielding $45,000, and Sam Katz $88,000.

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Mayoral candidate Paula Havixbeck is eligible for a payout of $22,590. She tells Global News if she is elected she will not accept the money, if she is not elected she will keep it.