Investigation into governor general’s office found toxic working conditions

The review of Rideau Hall that led Julie Payette to resign as governor general found dozens of people who called the working conditions there hostile, negative, toxic or poisoned.

The report says the investigation heard allegations of “yelling, screaming, aggressive conduct, demeaning comments and public humiliation” — behaviour that was “repeated and persistent.”

It’s heavily blacked out, primarily to protect participants’ privacy, and whole pages of details are also removed.

Payette resigned last week, admitting no specific wrongdoing but saying she was doing it for the good of the institution.

Her resignation was followed by consternation by critics who were angry that she seemed on track to get a fat pension for life, despite her shortened tenure and departure under a cloud.

Payette was accused of fomenting the discord. The report’s authors said if the alleged conduct occurred as described, it would be a serious problem requiring the immediate attention of the Privy Council Office.