China News Service, Toronto, January 21 (Reporter Yu Ruidong) The Governor-General of Canada Julie Payette announced her resignation in Ottawa on January 21.

She thus became the first Governor-General to resign since the founding of the Canadian Federation.

　　Payette made this decision after an independent investigation report confirmed the existence of a bullying atmosphere in the Government House.

She stated in a statement that she resigned with a certainty and humility, and pride in her past achievements in serving the country.

Data map: Governor-General of Canada Julie Payette.

Photo by Yu Ruidong

　　She said at the beginning of the statement that everyone has the right to a healthy and safe working environment at all times and under any circumstances, which does not seem to always be the case in the Governor’s Office.

She expressed regret about this.

　　Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later issued a statement stating that he had received Payette's resignation.

He said that after taking office as governor, Payette has fulfilled his duty of maintaining parliamentary democracy and serving the public.

　　Trudeau’s statement did not express gratitude or appreciation for Payette’s work, but only emphasized that all Canadian government employees have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment.

The picture shows April 29, 2018, Payette attending a memorial service for the victims of the car crashing into a pedestrian in Toronto, Canada.

(Data Picture) Photo by Yu Ruidong, a reporter from China News Agency

　　The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) disclosed in late July last year that more than a dozen people who were still working in the public service or had worked in the Governor’s House alleged in an interview that since Payette took office as the Governor, he and his old friend and secretary Di Loren Zuo repeatedly abused and verbally bullied the staff of the Governor's Office.

The report even described the existence of a "toxic" working atmosphere in the Government House.

The Privy Council of Canada commissioned a private organization in September to conduct an independent investigation into the work of the Governor's Secretary's Office.

The complete content of the report will not be released publicly.

　　The Governor General of Canada once responded to the media that it deeply regrets the relevant reports, because the reports are in "a sharp contrast" with the facts.

At the same time, the Government House stated that it firmly believes in the importance of workplace health and has taken many measures to promote it.

After the investigation started, Trudeau once responded to the media that Payette did a great job.

　　A number of Canadian media reported on the 21st that the above-mentioned independent investigation report has been completed, and its conclusions are quite unfavorable to the Government House.

The picture shows the guard of honor in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa when Payette officially took office as Governor on October 2, 2017.

(Data Picture) Photo by Yu Ruidong, a reporter from China News Agency

　　Payette stated in the statement that although no formal complaints were filed during her tenure, she still takes these allegations very seriously and welcomes investigations.

In order to maintain the image of the Government House and national interests, she believes that a new governor should be appointed, "In this uncertain era, Canadians should be stabilized."

　　She also said that this decision is at the right time.

Because his father’s health has deteriorated in the past few weeks, the family needs their own help.

　　Canadian media reported that Payette’s secretary Lorenzo also resigned with her.

　　The Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner (Richard Wagner) will temporarily act as the Governor.

Trudeau said that he will propose a new governor to Queen Elizabeth II and announce it in due course.

　　Payette, born in 1963, served as an astronaut from 1992 to 2013, and flew into space twice, and also served as the chief astronaut of the Canadian Space Agency.

She became the 29th Governor since the founding of the Canadian Federation in October 2017, and the fourth female Governor, but now she has become the Governor with the shortest term so far.

　　As a Commonwealth country, Canada’s head of state is the Queen of England, but the governor appointed by the Queen will act on her behalf.

The governor is also the supreme commander of the armed forces.

The Governor-General of Canada is nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Queen. The term of office is generally 5 years.

(Finish)