MONTRÉAL, Québec (CU)_Canadian Governor General Julie Payette, the representative of the country’s head of state, Queen Elizabeth, announced on Thursday (Jan 21) that she would step down following allegations of work place harassment made by her current and former employees.
Payette said that she took the allegations “very seriously” although she did not admit any misconduct in the workplace.
“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,” she said in the statement.
The announcement comes on the heels of a report submitted to the Canadian government by the independent consulting company which was hired to investigate on the allegations.
Last year, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that current and former government employees had accused Payette of creating a “toxic” workplace, by bullying and harassing employees and had some of them reduced to tears. Therefore, the Trudeau government hired the consulting firm to look into the allegations, and the findings of the investigation was submitted earlier this week.
“I am a strong believer in the principles of natural justice, due process and the rule of law, and that these principles apply to all equally,” Payette wrote. “…I have come to the conclusion that a new Governor General should be appointed. Canadians deserve stability in these uncertain times.”
Responding to Payette’s resignation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said every government employee has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment, although he did not confirm any of the allegations levelled at Payette.
“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,” the Prime Minister said in a statement. “Today’s announcement provides an opportunity for new leadership at Rideau Hall to address the workplace concerns raised by employees during the review.”
The governor general of Canada has largely ceremonial responsibilities which involves formally signing legislation and swearing in governments, but also on rare occasions, the settling of constitutional questions.
Had Payette not agreed to resign in light of the investigation, dismissing her could have triggered a constitutional crisis in Canada, and would have led to more formal involvement by Queen Elizabeth.
PM Trudeau is tasked with recommending a new candidate for governor general to be appointed by the Queen, and in the meantime, Canada’s chief justice will fulfil the duties of the role on an interim basis.
