Raj Saini stands to gain $92,900 severance but no pension after standing down

Raj Saini stands to walk away with a $93,000 "golden goodbye" after standing down as a Liberal candidate.

The former MP for Kitchener Centre stepped down after facing allegations that he harassed a female staff member, allegations that he firmly denies. Saini is entitled to a $92,900 severance cheque, worth half his $185,800 MP's salary. He could also access a $15,000 allowance for departing MPs, which includes the cost of shredding papers, getting financial advice and trips to and from Ottawa. Saini, 54, narrowly misses out on a pension, which is available to MPs aged 55 or older who have spent six years in office. Taxpayers are expected to foot a hefty bill for "golden goodbyes" for MPs who retire or lose their seats after the election. After the 2019 election, 94 MPs collected $5.8 million in severance payments, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which analyzed the payouts.