Former Sudbury MPP Joe Cimino to refuse $58K severance

The provincial NDP confirm that former Sudbury MPP Joe Cimino has declined the $58,000 severance to which he was entitled.

Cimino recently and unexpectedly resigned from office, citing personal reasons, after serving just five months.

The Commissioner of Ontario's Board of Internal Economy says he will be looking at severance packages for MPPs.

Yasir Naqvi said it's an unusual situation that will be reviewed by the board.

"As far as I can remember, we have not had a situation where a member stepped down after such a short period of time after an election."

Interim Progressive Conservative leader Jim Wilson said the rules should change.

"Certainly, I think we should put minimums in. Obviously, you should have to serve a minimum one term or two terms, or we put in a minimum number of years before you get any severance at all. That's the only fair thing to do."

There is no scheduled date as to when the board will meet to discuss if the rules will be changed.