Several allegations of Gov. Gen. Payette's harassment, verbal abuse at Rideau Hall

#Ottawa, #JuliePayette; ##ToxicOfficeAtmosphere


Ottawa, Jul 22 (Canadian-Media): Multiple sources told CBC News of a toxic atmosphere of harassment & verbal abuse created by Canada's Governor General Julie Payette's at Rideau Hall, the official residence of  Payette, media reports said.

Julie Payette. Image credit: Twitter handle

The sources said that they were abused or bullied to the point which left some in tears, while others have left the office altogether.

According to multiple sources, Payette's behaviour had caused four members of her communications team to depart during the pandemic period alone, while a fifth person is leaving this week and another two have taken leaves of absence.

About a dozen sources with direct knowledge of the office during Payette's mandate were contacted by CBC News. These sources agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity because they feared they could lose their jobs or their careers could suffer.

While many of the sources are still in the public service, others are former Rideau Hall employees.

The employee said there was always a level of criticism and in almost every meeting some one was always bullied.

The employees also complained that besides Payette, her long-term friend Assunta Di Lorenzo, secretary to Payette also bullied the staff.

"The way [Di Lorenzo] spoke to people was really harsh," said a former employee. "It was like a punch every time she spoke to someone. She wasn't a team player. She gets over-involved and tries to do everyone's jobs for them but doesn't know what she's doing."

"They will bully you until you either agree or leave," said a government source. "It's bullying and harassment at its worst," CBC News reported.

The allegations of workplace abuse by the employees at Rideau Hall had been denied by the office of Julie Payette.

“We deeply regret this reporting, which has no basis in the reality of working at the OSGG (Office of the Secretary to the Governor-General), and obscures the important work done by our dedicated staff in honouring, representing, and showcasing Canadians,” Payette’s press secretary Ashlee Smith said in a statement Tuesday, Global News reported.