Payette an ‘excellent’ governor general, PM says
Probe underway over harassment complaints
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come to the defence of embattled Gov. Gen. Julie Payette, saying Canada has an “excellent” representative for the Queen and that now is not the time to replace the former astronaut.
The comments follow allegations that employees in Payette’s office at Rideau Hall have been subject to workplace harassment as well as reports of her having incurred a variety of extraordinary costs since she was named Governor General.
Asked about replacing Payette while appearing on RED FM’s The Harjinder Thind Show in Vancouver, Trudeau said: “We have an excellent Governor General right now, and I think on top of the COVID crisis, nobody’s looking at any constitutional crises.”
The prime minister noted the federal government has hired a consulting firm to investigate the reports of a toxic work environment at Rideau Hall, but added when it comes to replacing Payette, “that’s not something we are contemplating right now.”
Payette has found herself the focus of intensifying public scrutiny in recent weeks following reports about expensive renovations at Rideau Hall and alleged mistreatment of staff.
Federal New Democrats criticized Trudeau’s comments, questioning how the prime minister can support the Governor General when the reports of harassment have yet to be investigated.
“How can he be so sure that Ms. Payette is an ’excellent’ Governor General and that it’s appropriate for her to remain in her current role without hearing the facts first?” NDP whip Rachel Blaney asked, noting he needs to “ensure people working in that office are treated with respect and dignity.”
The appointment of a governor general is made by the Queen on the prime minister’s advice. Trudeau tapped the former astronaut, engineer and scientist in 2017.
The CBC reported in July, citing anonymous sources, that Payette had yelled at, belittled and publicly humiliated employees, reducing some to tears or prompting them to quit.
The Privy Council Office announced this week that it has hired Ottawa-based Quintet Consulting Corp. to conduct a third-party investigation.