Canada’s Governor General Julie Payette has resigned from her post following reports of a “damaging” workplace harassment investigation.
In a statement announcing her resignation, Payette said it appears this was not always the case at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.
She apologized for tensions that have arisen at Rideau Hall over the past few months.
Payette’s resignation comes after several media reports on Thursday called an independent look into working conditions at Rideau Hall “damning”.
“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,” she said in the statement.
“We all experience things differently, but we should always strive to do better and be attentive to one another’s perceptions.”
Payette said her resignation comes at a good time because her father is in poor health and her family needs her help. The Secretary to the Governor General is also resigning amid accusations of harassing employees.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed he received Payette’s resignation.
“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,” Trudeau wrote in the statement. “Today’s announcement provides an opportunity for new leadership at Rideau Hall to address the workplace concerns raised by employees during the review.”
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Richard Wagner will serve as the acting Governor General.
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