Governor General Julie Payette Resigns

Canada’s Governor General Julie Payette is resigning after an investigation into workplace harassment at Rideau Hall.

The investigation by a third party was initiated last year after a CBC report alleging that Payette had humiliated staff, reducing some to tears and even prompting some employees to quit.

When the Privy Council launched the investigation Payette said she welcomed the effort and was deeply concerned about the allegation.  But the final report is said to be damning against her.

In a statement Payette said: “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. Tensions have arisen at Rideau Hall over the past few months and for that, I am sorry.

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. 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.

…So it is with sureness and humility, but also with pride over what was accomplished during my tenure as Governor General and in my service to the country for the past 28 years, that I have submitted my resignation. I have informed the Prime Minister of Canada of my decision. I wish him the best as he seeks an individual to recommend to Her Majesty as the next Governor General of Canada and I wish the best to my successor.”

Payette, a former astronaut and scientist was selected for the Governor General job in 2017.