OTTAWA – The woman who represented Queen Elizabeth as Canada’s official head of state, an important but largely ceremonial role, resigned on Thursday after a report submitted to the government harshly criticized her treatment of officials.
Julie Payette, whose title was governor-general, stepped down after months of media reports that she and a senior adviser had publicly disparaged and humiliated employees, often on the verge of tears. In response, the government commissioned an independent review that several Canadian media said they blamed her for creating a toxic work environment.
“For the sake of our country and our democratic institutions, I have come to the conclusion that a new governor general should be appointed,” said Payette in a statement released on Thursday evening.
Mrs. Payette, a former astronaut, said in some news reports that she had questioned officials about the distance between celestial bodies. Several staff members in his office have resigned or had extended leave.
Ms. Payette’s duties included signing all Canadian legislation into law and serving as commander in chief of the armed forces. A space shuttle crew member twice, a former electrical engineer and a talented choir soprano, she attracted an unusual amount of attention during her three-year term.
But little of that was positive.
The criticisms of Mrs. Payette went beyond how she treated employees. Questions were raised at the outset about Ms. Payette’s interest in the job, due to her frequent absences from official functions and from the capital, Ottawa.
She was also accused of using an apolitical position to deliver a speech at a science conference at which she appeared to challenge the validity of religious faith. And, like many public officials in Canada, she was sometimes criticized for using public funds.
“It looks like she adapted poorly from the beginning,” said Barbara Messamore, professor of history at the University of Fraser Valley in British Columbia. “The dismissal was a good thing. It would have been better if it had happened a few months ago. “
No governor-general has left office since Canada joined through its confederation in 1867, said Robert Bothwell, professor of Canadian history at the University of Toronto.
Until 1952, governors-general were dispatched from Britain and included Lord Stanley, who donated the first cup that is still presented in his name to the National Hockey League champion, and John Buchan, the first Baron Tweedsmuir and a novelist best known for “The 39 Steps.”
Since then, the prime minister, who is the political head of the government, has chosen the governor general, who is officially appointed by the reigning British monarch.
Dominic LeBlanc, a cabinet member, said that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mrs. Payette discussed the report on Wednesday night.
“This report had some disturbing conclusions,” LeBlanc told Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “These talks led the governor-general to conclude that she should offer to resign.”
Payette’s resignation comes at a time when work can affect the political sphere.
Mr Trudeau does not hold a majority of votes in the House of Commons. If his government is defeated by a question of trust, such as a budget, he will traditionally have to go to the governor-general and ask that Parliament be dissolved and an election called.
An opposition party could make a rival request, asking for permission to form a government, although such a move was unusual.
Richard Wagner, the president of the Supreme Court, will temporarily assume the role of governor general.
To avoid the constitutionally uncomfortable prospect of the country’s chief jurist having to act on a political request, Trudeau must choose someone else to temporarily hold the position while seeking a long-term replacement, said Peter Donolo, who served as director of the communications by former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
Mr. Donolo blamed Mr. Trudeau, a liberal fellow, for allowing the situation to get out of hand and for not examining Mrs. Payette in advance.
“What a disaster they have allowed this to happen for so long,” he said.