Premier Redford’s departure could cost Alberta taxpayers $1 million

One of the primary reasons Alberta Premier Alison Redford was forced to resign, earlier this week, was because of her $45,000 bill for a trip to South Africa.

Opposition parties and residents of Alberta felt that the expense was symbolic of the way the premier handled the public purse.

She repaid the $45,000 to the taxpayers of Alberta. But, somewhat ironically, its going to cost Albertans more money to get rid of her.

A lot more money.

According to a story in the National Post, several of the premier's staffers have been or will likely be released in the coming days as interim leader David Hancock takes over the reigns on Sunday. That, of course, means gold-plated severance payments for the exiting staffers that could potentially add up to over $1 million.

The Post story identified at least two staffers who have been released: Redford's communications director Stefan Baranski and chief of staff Farouk Adatia. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation told the Post that Baranski will receive a severance of $103,914 while Adatia will receive a whopping $316,274.

It really puts that $45,000 in perspective, doesn't it?

[ Related: Is Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi interested in replacing Alison Redford? ]

In the Alberta legislature, on Thursday, NDP leader Bryan Mason asked the government for a full accounting of severance costs.

"We’ve had a look at those contracts, and actually the total severance for the senior people in the Premier’s office amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars, perhaps a million dollars or more," Mason said.

"Will the Deputy Premier please tell the House what the total bill to the taxpayer is going to be?"

Mason did not receive a direct answer to that direct question.

[ Related: Knowing when to call it quits: Flaherty, Redford resigned at the right time ]

In an email exchange with Yahoo Canada News on Friday, the NDP communications coordinator said that the severance packages are simply out of line.

"The problem is the massive compensation packages and severance payouts from government staff need to be rethought and brought back to normal levels," Colin McGarrigle wrote.

"Farouk [Adatia], for instance, earns more than double of Barack Obama’s chief of staff. Also, a severance payment to him of over $360,000 is outrageous for less than two years work. Most private sector companies offer employees one month severance per year of service.

"The PC party needs to rein in this fragrant waste of taxpayers money."

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)

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