As Julie Payette Quits, Debate Over Canada’s Governor General Post Reignites

January 24, 2021 02:44 PM AEDT | By Kunal Sawhney

As Julie Payette Quits, Debate Over Canada’s Governor General Post Reignites

‘I Am Sorry,’ Writes Julie Payette

In an open letter posted on Thursday, Ms Payette addressed the issue and apologized for the “tensions” that rose at Rideau Hall, the Canadian monarch and their representative’s official residence in Ottawa. She also acknowledged that safe work environment was “not always the case” at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.

Ms Payette is the first Canadian ever to step on the International Space Station, which she did in 1991. In 2017, PM Trudeau had recommended the former astronaut’s name for The Queen's representative’s post.

In the light of the recent event, PM Trudeau put out a statement saying the accusations will be taken “very seriously". He added that Canadian Chief Justice Richard Wagner would be the interim governor general and his recommendations for Ms Payette's replacement will be submitted "in due course".

Debate Over Governor General’s Post in Canada

The post of The Queen's representative in Canada has been a subject of debate for years now, and Ms Payette’s unceremonious exit has only added fuel that fire.

The post of the governor general, though a widely ceremonial one, makes the person in the seat a stand-in for The Queen as the chief of state. And many have slammed the concept of such a post as “ludicrous” and called for its revaluation.

Some reports have even lashed out at PM Trudeau for looking for Ms Payette’s replacement instead of seeking the post’s abolishment.

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