PAYETTE, TRUDEAU NOT ON SITE

A number of items, including what appeared to be Canadian Forces rations, were visible in the back seat. Pieces of clothing were delicately picked up and examined by the robot.

“Thanks to the swift and diligent actions of our employees, the incident that unfolded earlier this morning on the grounds of Rideau Hall was quickly and safely resolved,” said RCMP

Assistant Commissioner Bernadine Chapman, commanding officer of National Division.

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General issued a statement Thursday to thank the RCMP and police for resolving the situation quickly.

“All of our staff are safe,” said the statement.

The statement also noted that Payette has only occasionally been at Rideau Hall during the COVID-19 pandemic. The home, the official residence of the Queen’s representative, sits on an 88-acre wooded estate.

“Given the number of staff required to support Her

Excellency when she is on the grounds of Rideau Hall, during the pandemic she has chosen to prioritize the health and safety of the employees of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General by only being there when Constitutional duties require, such as Royal Assent,” the statement said.

“Prior to the pandemic, the Governor General was living on the grounds of Rideau Hall.”

Trudeau and his family have lived at the historic 22-room Rideau Cottage on the Rideau Hall grounds since 2015 due to massive renovations needed at the prime minister’s official residence at 24 Sussex Drive.