Julie Payette is resigning from her position as Governor General.

The major development follows a review looking into allegations of her presiding over a toxic work environment at Rideau Hall.

Current and former Rideau Hall employees have accused Payette of yelling and publicly humiliating them and being hard to work with.

Payette had been in the role of Governor General since 2017 after a career as an astronaut.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Payette said “everyone has a right to a healthy and safe work environment, at all times and under all circumstances” but said “this was not always the case at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. Tensions have arisen at Rideau Hall over the past few months and for that, I am sorry.

Furthermore, she said “while no formal complaints or official grievances were made” during her tenure, she still takes the allegations “very seriously”.

“Not only did I welcome a review of the work climate at the OSGG, but I have repeatedly encouraged employees to participate in the review in large numbers. We all experience things differently, but we should always strive to do better, and be attentive to one another’s perceptions.” Payette added.

Payette mentioned this decision comes “at an opportune time, as my father’s health has seriously worsened in the last few weeks and my family needs my help.”

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Richard Wagner will serve as the acting Governor General.