Disgraced integrity czar’s $500,000 severance deal includes gag order

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The former public sector integrity commissioner who resigned last fall in the face of a damning audit walked away with a half million dollars – and a promise to keep her mouth shut

According to the departure agreement signed between Christiane Ouimet and the federal government, Ms. Ouimet received as separation allowance of $407,000. That includes 18 months of regular salary plus foregone benefits worth $53,100

Ms. Ouimet was also entitled to “all benefits accruing to retiring appointees.” And she received severance pay equivalent to 28 weeks of her salary – about $120,000 – as well as any unused vacation time.

In return, Ms. Ouimet promised to keep confidential all information related to the office of Public Sector Integrity Commissioner and not to disclose details of the departure agreement.

The deal stipulates that “the parties shall not engage in any criticism against each other, personally or through other person (sic) including media representatives.” Nor were they permitted to make any public comments about Ms. Ouimet’s departure.