Canada: Complaints raised against Gov Gen Payette over harassment, verbal abuse at Rideau Hall
Ottawa/IBNS: Multiple sources have complained to CBC News about a toxic atmosphere of harassment and verbal abuse created by Canada's Governor General Julie Payette at Rideau Hall, Payette's official residence, media reports said.
The sources, which were either Payette's former employees or still in public services, said that they were abused or bullied to the point which left them in tears, while others have left the office altogether.
According to multiple sources, four members of Payette's communications team departed due to Payette's abusive behaviour 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 to lose their jobs or their careers could suffer.
While many of the sources are still in the public service, others were former Rideau Hall employees.
"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," reported by CBC News.
The office of Julie Payette denied the allegations by the employees of workplace abuse at the Rideau Hall.
“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, reported by Global News.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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