OTTAWA – It’s still not clear what the severance pay will be for Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s former chief of staff, who quit over the Senate expense scandal.

However, it appears Nigel Wright may be getting back far less than he put in.

After Senator Mike Duffy was found to have improperly claimed $90,000 in housing expenses, Nigel Wright cut him a personal cheque for that amount.

That decision forced Wright to resign, but according to iPolitics, his severance pay for leaving will be around $16,000. Harper won’t confirm the amount, but said Wright will only receive what is required under law – no more, no less.

There is an option for an additional separation pay, but a spokesperson for Harper says it will not be paid out.

The ethics commissioner is investigating the Mike Duffy bailout and the Senate has passed a motion asking the RCMP to get involved, although a formal investigation hasn’t been launched yet.

Wright worked for the Harper for two years; his salary was never made public.