Canada governor general resigns over harassment claims

OTTAWA: Governor General Julie Paye e, Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in Canada, resigned Thursday ahead of the release of a reportedly scathing report on workplace harassment claims levelled against her office.

The independent review had been ordered by the government last July when allegations of a “toxic” climate at Rideau Hall – the official residence of the governor general – first surfaced.

Canadian media, citing unnamed sources briefed on its contents, said the review’s conclusions were damning.

“In respect for the integrity of my viceregal office and for the good of our country and of our democratic institutions, I have come to the conclusion that a new governor general should be appointed,” Paye e said in a statement.

And so, she added, “I have submi ed my resignation... (and) I have informed the prime minister of Canada of my decision.” Current and former staff at the governor general’s office had alleged that Paye e bullied, yelled at and publicly humiliated staff, some of whom le her office in tears.

Paye e responded at the time that she took the allegations very seriously.

The resignation of a governor general, especially under such circumstances, is unprecedented in Canada’s history.

In addition to the harassment claims, Paye e faced public criticisms for insisting on expensive renovations to Rideau Hall, and then refusing to move in.

And she o en found herself at odds with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police over tight security, including eluding her security detail to go for a jog.

Her longtime friend Assunta Di Lorenzo, whom Paye e had appointed controversially as secretary to the governor general and was also accused of mistreating staff, quit too.