Trudeau defends Payette, says he is not considering replacing GG 'right now'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau todaycalledJulie Payettean"excellent" Governor Generaland saidhe has no intention right now of asking the Queen to replace her in the wake of CBC reports allegingharassment and a toxic workplace environment at Rideau Hall.

• Gov. Gen. has created a toxic climate of harassment and verbal abuse at Rideau Hall:sources

Trudeau told an interviewer this morning thatthe Privy Council Office already haslaunched an external review ofworking conditions at Rideau Hall. The government confirmed the contract with Quintet Consulting isvalued at more than $88,000 and the review'sresults are expected later this fall.

"We have an excellent Governor General right now and I think, on top of the COVID crisis,nobody's looking at any constitutional crises," Trudeau told RED FM in Vancouver this morning.

"We have put in place a process to review some of the working conditions at Rideau Hall, but that's not something that we're contemplating right now, going further than that."

Trudeau says he's not contemplating removing Governor General Julie Payette in response to bullying allegations

4 years ago

Duration 0:21

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the comments during an interview with RED FM in Vancouver.

Trudeau's comments amount to his first public defence of Payette since CBC's story broke at the end of July, featuring a dozen sources claiming Payette belittled, berated and publicly humiliated employees at Rideau Hall. Her second-in-command and long-time friend, Assunta Di Lorenzo, is also accused of bullying staff.

More than 20 people including public servants and former employees at Rideau Hall have now told CBC News they either witnessed or experienced that behaviour first-hand.

Conservative PartyLeader Erin O'Toolesaid today it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on Payette.

"I think there's a nice separation," said O'Toole. "She did give me a very nice phone call to congratulate me on my parliamentary role. That's allI'll say about that issue."

Watch: Erin O'Toolesays it would be 'inappropriate' to comment on Gov. Gen. Julie Payette:

O'Toole asked if he would keep Gov. Gen. Julie Payette

4 years ago

Duration 0:25

Opposition Leader Erin O'Toole says it would be 'inappropriate' for him to comment on the future of the Governor General. O'Toole spoke with reporters in Ottawa Wednesday.

Trudeau silent on Payette in the past

Trudeau selected Payette a former astronaut, computer engineer, pilot, academic, musician and executive to take on the viceregal role as the Queen's representative in Canada in October 2017. It was one of his signature appointments during his first mandate as prime minister. Rather than using formerprime minister Stephen Harper's appointment process using an advisory board to suggest suitable candidates for the post Trudeauinstead went with his personal choice.

Before today's comments, the prime minister had been notably silent on the reports aboutPayette's behaviour, sayingonly thathe takes harassment complaintsvery seriously.

"Every Canadian has the right to a safe, secure workspace, free from harassment, and that is extremely important," Trudeau said on July 22.

Freelanddrew a linebetween office andoccupant

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freelanddrewa sharp distinction between her support for the office of the Governor General and its current occupant, Julie Payette, in the wake of reporting by CBC News showing unusual spending to meet Payette's demands for privacy.

When asked if she had confidence in Payettelast month,Freelandvoiced support for her office and the constitutional role it plays, but pointedly did notexpress explicitconfidence in Payette.

"I think Canadianshave a great respect for the office of the Governor General and I have that respect as well," Freelandsaid on August 7.

CBC News also hasreported thatPayette's disregard for the Mounties paid to protect her has resulted in added security risks and unnecessary taxpayer costs, according to RCMP and Rideau Hall sources.

Payette says she takes harassment issues very seriously

Trudeau asked Payette last month to hit the reset button on his Liberal government now mired in an ethics controversy by proroguing Parliament until September.

Payette is expected to deliver the Liberal government's speech from the throne on Sept. 23 to open a new session of Parliament.

The Governor General issued a statement on July 23 saying she's deeply concerned bymedia reports about Rideau Hall.

"...I am completely committed to ensuring that every employee who works at Rideau Hall enjoys a secure and healthy work environment at all times and under all circumstances," said Payette in thestatement. "I take harassment and workplace issues very seriously and I am in full agreement and welcome an independent review."

Private firm hired to review Rideau Hall harassment claims

4 years ago

Duration 1:57

The Privy Council Office has hired a third-party firm to investigate claims of workplace harassment and bullying in Gov. Gen Julie Payettes office at Rideau Hall following a CBC News investigation.