Julie Payette explains why she resigned as Governor General of Canada
Canada's Governor-General Julie Payette resigned after an external performance review revealed that the former astronaut was presiding over a toxic work environment inside the Queen's Deputy Office. According to "DPA".
In a statement released Thursday, Payette admitted that tensions within her office in Rideau Hall, Ottawa, had increased "over the past few months" and offered her apology.
"Nevertheless, out of respect for the integrity of the Viceroy's office and in the interest of our country and our democratic institutions, I came to the conclusion that a new governor-general should be appointed," Payette said. "Canadians deserve stability in these uncertain times," she added.
"Every employee in the government of Canada has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. "Today's announcement provides an opportunity for new leadership at Rideau Hall to address the performance concerns raised by employees during the review."
The Privy Council office, which oversees Canada's federal public service, began the review last July after reports that Payette and her secretary, Assunta de Lorenzo, were harassing employees.
And earlier Thursday. The Globe and Mail, citing confidential sources, reported that an independent review of allegations of abuse in the workplace has been completed. And it paints a "very negative image" of Payet.
The Governor General is the Queen's representative in Canada. And he works as head of state in her absence.
"The Chief Justice of Canada, Richard Wagner, will be the Acting Governor General," Trudeau said.
