If there’s any good that can come out of Julie Payette’s disgraceful turn as Canada’s governor general, it’s that it’s shining a spotlight on just how useless of a position it has become.
Prior to the ‘scathing’ report on the toxic workplace Payette had created, few Canadians probably even knew what a governor general’s role is supposed to be. Most probably still don’t know. Some may be able to recite a governor general acts as Canada’s representative to the queen, but even that is rather vague-most would probably struggle to come up with a definitive answer as to what the British monarchy does on a day-to-day basis.
According to the Toronto Star, since her appointment in 2017, Payette’s major achievements included two throne speeches, swearing in some cabinet members (while also allegedly swearing ‘at’ staff behind the scenes) and signed off on some legislation. Quebec City’s Bonhomme Carnival likely had a more rigorous work schedule last year.
While those meager accomplishments were what she was officially doing, she also was reportedly verbally abusing employees and creating a generally unpleasant work atmosphere.
As for Payette, she collected $288,900 in salary off the backs of taxpayers, not to mention a wealth of other perks and benefits. If not out of basic decency, one would figure most would strive to perform the job with even just a moderate amount of professionalism, if nothing else but to keep the free ride.
That doesn’t even factor in the $393,367 the Canadian government paid to conduct a review into Payette’s actions, only to find out just how horrendous she acted while representing the country. Despite her disgraceful resignation, the National Post reports she’ll still be eligible to collect $149,484 annually in pension for the rest of her life. Not a bad gig, if you can get it.
On paper Payette seemed like as good a choice as any for the job, which really doesn’t seem to require any skill. She came into the role following an accomplished career as an engineer, scientist and astronaut. As far as powerless figurehead, she fit the bill when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau handed her the cushy, well-paying job.
As more investigating into the matter has been conducted, it’s been revealed that a simple reference check would have revealed Payette has a history of troubling workplace behaviour long before she was appointed governor general.
Following Payette’s resignation, Trudeau has said the government will re-examine the selection process for the next governor general. A better solution would be to re-examine ways to better spend any and all money that is being wasted on the position. The timing couldn’t be better in that the role is currently vacant and the country is feeling the financial crunch of a worldwide pandemic.
Leaving the role empty would bring the dual benefits of budgetary savings plus not having to worry if the person selected to represent the country will actually be able to carry out such a simple task.
-Adam Prudhomme