Report into Julie Payette’s conduct says staff reported ‘toxic’, ‘poisoned’ work atmosphere – National

The independent report probing Julie Payette’s conduct at Rideau Hall and the office’s atmosphere alleges the former governor general and her deputy assistant oversaw a ‘toxic’ and ‘poisoned’ work environment.

According to the report released on Wednesday, several staff members alleged “yelling, screaming, aggressive conduct, demeaning comments and public humiliations,” had occurred at Rideau Hall.

“As summarized in the Report, many participants reported conduct that , if it occurred, would lead to a toxic workplace,” the report said.

The independent consulting firm was hired by the Privy Council’s Office in July after reports surfaced alleging incidents of workplace harassment at Rideau Hall.

The report said 26 individuals described the general work atmosphere at Rideau Hall during Payette’s tenure as “toxic” or “poisoned.”

The former astronaut was appointed governor general in 2017 on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recommendation.

The report was released just days after Payette resigned from the post.

In a statement released after she stepped down from the post, Payette said, “everyone has a right to a healthy and safe work environment, at all times and under all circumstances.”

“It appears this was not always the case at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General,” the statement read.

“Tensions have arisen at Rideau Hall over the past few months and for that, I am sorry.”

“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 continued.

In a statement of his own, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that the chief justice of Canada would take over the duties of the governor general on an “interim basis.”