Confirmation from Ottawa that Governor General Julie Payette has stepped down from her post.
In a statement Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed he received a resignation letter from Payette on Thursday.
“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,” says Trudeau. “Today’s announcement provides an opportunity for new leadership at Rideau Hall to address the workplace concerns raised by employees during the review.
In a excerpt from the letter, Payette issued an apology for rising tensions inside Rideau Hall.
“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,” said Payette. “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.”
The Prime Minister indicate that Richard Wagner, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, will be fulfilling the duties of the Governor General on an interim basis.
Payette has been the Queen’s representative in Canada since October 2nd 2017.
