Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says it’s not appropriate for former governor general Julie Payette to receive the customary benefits afforded to those who’ve left the post.
Payette resigned last week ahead of the release of a report concluding she oversaw a highly toxic work environment at Rideau Hall.
Former governors general are entitled to a pension and also get a regular income paid to them for the rest of their lives, and O’Toole demanded to know Monday whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had raised that subject with Payette when they last spoke.
Trudeau should be clear on what he promised her, O’Toole said.
“It’s not appropriate in a case where there’s a break in the assignment of the Governor General,” O’Toole said Monday at a news conference ahead of the return of Parliament.
He accused Trudeau, who leads a minority government, of sullying the office, and also of being in a conflict of interest when it comes to choosing Payette’s replacement, given the government could fall at any time.
“This is a small constitutional crisis caused by Mr. Trudeau’s (office),” O’Toole said.
