PM Trudeau speaks with Queen Elizabeth II to discuss Payette resignation

Trudeau said that he informed the Queen over the phone that the Chief Justice of Canada will be acting as Governor General until an appropriate replacement is found, as a matter of protocol.

According to CTV News, Payette was asked by Trudeau to resign on Wednesday following several allegations of creating a "toxic" work environment and of abusive behaviour, despite previously having defended her for months.

Trudeau said that everyone deserved a "healthy and safe work environment," saying that a replacement would be coming soon.

"Everyone has a right to a healthy and safe work environment, at all times and under all circumstances. It appears this was not always the case at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General," said Payette in a statement on Thursday. "Tensions have arisen at Rideau Hall over the past few months and for that, I am sorry."

NDP party leader Jagmeet Singh had this to say about Payette's resignation:

"What we should be doing is making sure we make the right decision in the first place. But anytime there is inappropriate conduct, particularly towards employees, we've got to take a really hard look at: is that behaviour being rewarded, or is it being discouraged? And what do our actions tell the employees? In this case there are some serious concerns that are being raised by this behaviour."