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“Politicians who were roundly rejected by voters are now getting a golden handshake, paid for by those same voters who rejected them,” Van Geyn said.

Another 12 Liberal MPPs quit in the lead up to the campaign, splitting more than $2.6 million in severance.

The total severance for the 50 Liberal MPPs who were either defeated, quit or retired in the dying days of their government will hit at least $8.7 million.

Politicians in Ontario are eligible for severance even if they resign their seat, and this needs to be re-examined in terms of fixed election dates, Van Geyn said.

“The idea of severance is that it is supposed to protect you if you unexpectedly lose your job — not if you quit or if are fired for doing a terrible job,” she said. “Yet there are cabinet ministers who were fired by voters or who chose not to run again who are getting six figures in go-away-pay.”

Former PC Leader Patrick Brown and PC MPP Michael Harris, both forced to quit by their own party shortly before the election due to sexual misconduct allegations, would be eligible for severance packages as well.

Three NDP MPPs also bowed out in the final six months before the June 7 election.

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On top of this, hundreds of Liberal staffers will also be eligible for packages, and MPPs and staffers maintain their benefits for the length of the severance period.

It’s expected that hundreds of Liberal staffers will be let go as a result of the Grits losing not only the election but also official party status.