Trudeau says no issues raised to prevent Payette from becoming Governor General

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the secretive process used to select the next Governor General for the first time on Thursday, saying that nothing came up during the vetting of Julie Payette that he saw as a stumbling block to her appointment.

Political appointees are normally run through a thorough vetting process designed to root out personal history that could be damaging for the candidate and government should they become public. Depending on what is found, the government may move on to another candidate.

Trudeau said that Payette went through the same check as other high-profile political appointees.

“The vetting process is deep and extensive and raised absolutely no issues that would prevent her from being Governor General. She will make an extraordinary Governor General,” Trudeau said at an event in Barrie, Ont.

He didn’t say if the check turned up two incidents revealed this week: a dismissed charge of second-degree assault when she lived in Maryland in 2011 — Payette has called the assault charge “unfounded,” noting that she was “immediately cleared” — and a fatal car accident in which Payette was not found at fault.

Nor did he say if he talked with Payette about either incident.

“Obviously, our heart goes out to the family affected by this tragic accident. It was a terrible and tragic thing and we know that Mme. Payette actually personally reached out to share her condolences with the family subsequent to the accident,” Trudeau said.

Trudeau said his discussions with Payette revolved around her vision for the country and what she would do in the role of Governor General.

Payette is one of Canada’s most notable astronauts and public speakers, has received numerous accolades for her achievements, and speaks six languages. She will succeed Gov. Gen. David Johnston when the outgoing viceregal retires in the fall.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said he had full trust in Payette, and backed Trudeau’s decision to appoint her.

FRED CHARTRAND/THE CANADIAN PRESS Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on as former astronaut and Governor General designate Julie Payette talks to reporters earlier this month on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is refusing to say what he knew, and when he knew...