Governor General Julie Payette resigns
Gov. Gen. Julie Payette has resigned from her post following reports of a “damaging” workplace harassment investigation.
“Everyone has a right to a healthy and safe work environment, at all times and under all circumstances. It appears this was not always the case at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General,” Payette said in a statement Thursday.
“Tensions have arisen at Rideau Hall over the past few months and for that, I am sorry.”
Payette’s resignation come hours after an independent review into workplace harassment allegations against her was completed and the details of the report were said to be “damaging.”
“While no formal complaints or official grievances were made during my tenure, which would have immediately triggered a detailed investigation as prescribed by law and the collective agreements in place, I still take these allegations very seriously,” Payette said in her statement.
“Not only did I welcome a review of the work climate at the OSGG, but I have repeatedly encouraged employees to participate in the review in large numbers. We all experience things differently, but we should always strive to do better, and be attentive to one another’s perceptions.”
Payette said her resignation comes at an “opportune time” as her father’s health is worsening.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Payette to resign during a conversation on Wednesday. In a statement, Trudeau said he received Payette’s resignation.
“Every employee in the Government of Canada has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment, and we will always take this very seriously,” Trudeau wrote in the statement. “Today’s announcement provides an opportunity for new leadership at Rideau Hall to address the workplace concerns raised by employees during the review.”
Trudeau said Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner will serve as Governor General on an interim basis. He added that recommendations for new governor general will be sent to the Queen “in due course.”
Payette was sworn in as governor general in 2017, following a career as an astronaut and scientist. She has previously served as the chief operating officer of the Montreal Science Centre and was also on the board of directors for the National Bank of Canada.
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