Still no decision as to whether Julie Payette gets expenses paid for

The Privy Council Office as of Thursday has still not been able to make a decision on whether ex-Governor General Julie Payette should receive compensation going forward for her expenses.

Payette resigned in January of 2021 amid allegations that the was bullying the people with whom she was working and creating a toxic work environment.

According to Global News, a program that was put in place decades ago normally allows for ex-Governor Generals to be able to claim up to $206,000 in certain expenses, such as "the payment of travel expenses of the former Governor General, his spouse and/or members of his office who need to accompany him insofar as such expenses fall within the terms of reference of the policy."

The issue with Payette is that she resigned before her term was up, something which has not happened previously for non-health reasons. Critics are also saying that the allegations against her are serious enough to disqualify her from receiving any money from the federal government pursuant to her former position.

"Work continues to determine how best to ensure that the program continues to function in an effective manner," said a spokesperson for the Privy Council Office.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said when questioned on the issue in January, near the time of Payette's resignation:

"This country has very clear rules and regulations and processes and procedures in place to follow in these cases of reporting expenses or indeed on annuities for governor generals."

"Those processes will be followed but obviously we’re always open to having discussions on changes that need to be made moving forward."