Julie Payette
Julie Payette | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 20, 1963 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Engineer, scientist, astronaut, public official |
| Years active | 1986–2021 |
| Known for | 29th Governor General of Canada, Canadian astronaut |
Julie Payette (; born October 20, 1963) is a Canadian engineer, scientist, and former astronaut who held the position of the 29th Governor General of Canada from 2017 until 2021.
She earned engineering degrees from both McGill University and the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 1992 as a member of the Canadian Astronaut Corps, Payette worked as a research scientist. During her astronaut career, she completed two space missions, STS-96 and STS-127, accumulating more than 25 days in orbit. Additionally, she fulfilled duties as a capsule communicator at the NASA Mission Control Center and served as CSA’s chief astronaut between 2000 and 2007.
In July 2013, Payette was appointed chief operating officer of the Montreal Science Centre and held various board memberships, including with the National Bank of Canada. On July 13, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced her nomination as governor general, which received approval from Queen Elizabeth II. She officially assumed office on October 2, 2017.
Following a workplace investigation that revealed she had "belittled, berated and publicly humiliated Rideau Hall staff," creating a toxic atmosphere, Payette resigned on January 21, 2021. The inquiry was launched by the Privy Council Office (Canada) to examine harassment allegations within the Governor General’s Office. She became the first governor general to resign amid scandal and left the position vacant upon departure.
Education and early career
Born in Montreal, Quebec, on October 20, 1963, Payette attended Collège Mont-Saint-Louis and Collège Regina Assumpta. In 1982, she completed an International Baccalaureate diploma at the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales.
She obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree in electrical engineering from McGill University in 1986 and later earned a Master of Applied Science in computer engineering at the University of Toronto in 1990, specializing in computational linguistics, a field within artificial intelligence. Payette is a retired member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.
Fluent in both French and English, she also has conversational skills in Spanish, Italian, Russian, and German.
From 1986 to 1988, Payette worked as a systems engineer within IBM Canada's Science Engineering division. During her graduate studies from 1988 to 1990, she participated in developing high-performance computer architectures and served as a teaching assistant. In early 1991, she was a visiting scientist at IBM Zurich Research Laboratory. Returning to Canada in 1992, she led a telephone speech comprehension initiative employing voice recognition technology at Bell-Northern Research in Montreal.
Canadian Space Agency
In June 1992, Payette was selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) as one of four astronauts chosen from a pool of 5,330 candidates. Following initial training in Canada, she acted as a technical advisor for the Mobile Servicing System, Canada’s sophisticated robotics contribution to the International Space Station. In 1993, she established the Human-Computer Interaction Group within the Canadian Astronaut Program and contributed as a technical expert to the NATO International Research Study Group focused on speech processing.
To prepare for spaceflight assignments, Payette obtained her commercial pilot license and accumulated 120 hours flying reduced gravity aircraft. In April 1996, she qualified as an operator for deep sea diving suits. She earned captain status on the military jet CT-114 Tutor at CFB Moose Jaw in February 1996 and secured her military instrument rating by 1997. Her flight log includes over 1,300 hours total flight time, with approximately 600 hours in high-performance jets.
Starting in August 1996, Payette commenced mission specialist training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. After completing one year of preparation, she was assigned to work on the Mobile Servicing System project and finished her initial astronaut training by April 1998.
Spaceflight career
From 2000 until 2007, Payette held the position of chief astronaut at the Canadian Space Agency. She also contributed as a capsule communicator at Mission Control in Houston for several years, including during the return-to-flight mission STS-114, and took on the role of lead capsule communicator for STS-121.
STS-96
Payette participated in the STS-96 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery from May 27 to June 6, 1999. This mission was notable for executing the first manual docking of the shuttle with the International Space Station and for delivering four tons of supplies and logistical equipment. Serving as a mission specialist, Payette’s primary responsibility was operating the Canadarm robotic arm. The mission completed 153 orbits around Earth, traveling more than in a duration of 9 days, 19 hours, and 13 minutes. She earned distinction as the first Canadian to take part in an ISS assembly mission and to enter the space station.
STS-127
In 2009, Payette returned to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-127, which lasted from July 15 to July 31. Acting as flight engineer and lead operator of robotic systems, she contributed significantly to the mission's success. During this period, astronaut Robert Thirsk was stationed on Expedition 20 aboard the ISS, marking the inaugural occasion when two Canadians were simultaneously present in space.
Additionally, Payette carried a signed sweater from Montreal Canadiens icon Maurice Richard, nicknamed "The Rocket," honoring the hockey club’s centennial celebration.
Career after CSA
Between 2011 and 2013, Payette served as a scientific delegate representing Quebec to the United States at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. Following this, she assumed the role of chief operating officer at Montreal’s Montreal Science Centre under Société du Vieux-Port de Montréal for three years and also held a vice-presidential position with Canada Lands Company. Her departure from the Science Centre came amid a lengthy strike and employee allegations concerning verbal mistreatment and a challenging workplace atmosphere, attributed to her direct management approach.
In April 2016, she was appointed to the board of the Canadian Olympic Committee and participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics. However, she stepped down in 2017 after two internal probes into her conduct towards staff, which included accusations of verbal harassment. Around this time, she was also named to the International Olympic Committee’s Women in Sports Commission.
Payette has contributed to numerous boards such as Queen's University's Own the Podium Olympic initiative, Montreal Science Centre Foundation, Robotique FIRST Québec, Drug Free Kids Canada, Montreal Bach Festival, and served on the board of the National Bank of Canada. She holds membership in the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, is a fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics, and participates on McGill University's Faculty of Engineering Advisory Board.
Governor General of Canada
On July 13, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Payette as his choice for Canada’s 29th Governor General of Canada. She officially assumed office on October 2, 2017, following briefings from her predecessor, David Johnston, who lauded her as "a Canadian of extraordinary achievement."
Prior to her installation, Payette met Queen Elizabeth II on September 20, 2017 at Balmoral Castle, where she was invested with several honors: extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada (CC), extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM), and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM).
Upon her installation on October 2, 2017, Payette encouraged Canadians to unite in addressing challenges such as climate change, migration, and poverty. She highlighted collaboration and prioritizing collective interests over individual agendas as key elements guiding her mandate.
Tenure
By September 2018, Payette encountered criticism due to her outspoken opposition to creationism and climate change skepticism. During the Canadian Science Policy Conference, she called for enhanced public trust in scientific knowledge, denouncing beliefs such as astrology and unsupported medical remedies. Observers described her statements as "invigorating" and "a welcome change."
Subsequently, Payette emphasized the value of open discourse and analytical thinking while acknowledging the necessity to modify her approach for the viceregal position. She admitted that adapting her communication style was essential after assuming the governor general role.
Concerns were also raised about her dedication to duties and the relatively few provincial visits in her first year compared to those of earlier governors general. Officials at Rideau Hall explained that the initial year typically involves a period of learning and acclimatization. An assessment of patronage activities during her term created uncertainty among several non-profit organizations traditionally supported by the office.
Toward the end of 2018, Payette did not oversee the Governor General's History Awards ceremony. She recognized that negative media reports had impacted staff morale but expressed pride in their accomplishments.
Media attention further focused on questionable expenditures at Rideau Hall and Payette's decision not to reside in the official residence following renovations. Reports revealed more than $250,000 allocated to privacy-related projects—including plans for a private staircase that was never constructed and a gate system limiting access near her office. Although much of Rideau Hall’s grounds remain open to the public, concerns about privacy, accessibility, and security intensified after a security breach in July involving Corey Hurren.
Resignation
On July 21, 2020, CBC News disclosed allegations that Payette had fostered a hostile workplace environment at Rideau Hall through verbal mistreatment. Two days later, the Privy Council Office initiated an official inquiry into her behaviour. Former staff from the Montreal Science Centre also reported comparable conduct during her tenure there, though some suggested it reflected high expectations. Payette expressed support for the investigation into workplace harassment. The independent review confirmed a toxic atmosphere characterized by "yelling, screaming, aggressive behaviour, demeaning remarks and public humiliation."
On January 21, 2021, Payette announced her resignation from the governor general position effective January 22, following confirmation from the independent report of workplace harassment including "belittling, berating and publicly humiliating" employees. Continuing in office was considered a threat to the dignity of the institution. The secretary to the governor general played a significant role in uncovering the toxic environment. Her commission was officially ended by royal letters patent on January 22.
Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, was sworn in as Administrator on January 23, 2021.
Prime Minister Trudeau faced criticism over insufficient vetting of Payette since his office had not consulted with her previous employers—the Montreal Science Centre and Canadian Olympic Committee—who might have disclosed concerns about her temperament and suitability for this public role.
Following her departure, increased scrutiny was directed toward pension and benefit entitlements for former governors general. Under existing legislation, Payette qualifies for an annual pension close to $150,000 along with $206,000 in yearly expenses. Some analysts speculate that her resignation was timed to secure these benefits before any potential legislative reforms.
Personal life
Payette has experienced two marriages and subsequent divorces: initially to François Brissette during the 1990s, followed by William Flynn, with whom she shares a son born in 2003; their marriage ended in divorce in 2015. She is an accomplished pianist, having performed alongside the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir. Presently, she lends her voice to the Ottawa Bach Choir. Her personal interests encompass running, skiing, racquet sports, and scuba diving.
In July 2011, Payette was involved in a pedestrian accident resulting in a fatality; the investigation concluded in 2012 without attributing any blame to her. Later that year, she was charged with second-degree assault in Maryland, allegedly involving her then-spouse Flynn. Although the charges were eventually dismissed, the couple separated shortly thereafter. Payette characterized these allegations as "unfounded" but chose not to elaborate further.
These events led to increased examination of her vetting process after Prime Minister Trudeau appointed her without consulting the expert committee traditionally engaged for Governor General appointments. Due to media scrutiny, Payette abandoned attempts to keep her divorce records confidential following her designation as Governor General.
Honours
Appointments
- 2000 – Knight of the National Order of Quebec
- June 10, 2010 – Inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame
- May 6, 2010 – September 20, 2017: Officer of the Order of Canada (OC)
- September 20, 2017 – October 2, 2017: Elevated to Companion of the Order of Canada (CC)
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Served as Chancellor and extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada (CC)
- January 21, 2021 – present: Holds title of Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada (CC)
- 2013 – Inducted into the Academy of Great Montrealers under the Scientific category
- 2016 – Commander of the Order of Montreal
- September 20, 2017 – October 2, 2017: Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM)
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Chancellor and extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM)
- January 21, 2021 – present: Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM)
- September 20, 2017 – October 2, 2017: Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM)
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM)
- January 21, 2021 – present: Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM)
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Patron Scout of Canada
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Honorary Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard
Medals
- 2012 – Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- September 28, 2017 – Awarded the Canadian Forces' Decoration
Foreign honours
- June 6, 1999 – Recipient of NASA Space Flight Medal
- 2001 – Knight of Ordre de la Pléiade de l'Association des parlementaires de langue française
- June 25, 2010 – Awarded NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- October 25, 2018 – Bestowed Grand Cross of National Order of Merit by Burkina Faso
Honorary military appointments
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Colonel of the Governor General's Horse Guards
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Colonel of the Governor General's Foot Guards
- October 2, 2017 – January 21, 2021: Colonel of the Canadian Grenadier Guards
Honorary degrees
Julie Payette has been awarded 28 honorary doctorates throughout her career. Among the distinguished recognitions are:
- 1999 – Queen's University, awarded Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 1999 – University of Ottawa, conferred Doctor of the University (DUniv)
- March 10, 2000 – Simon Fraser University, received Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- 2000 – Université Laval, honorary doctorate
- 2001 – University of Regina, honorary doctorate
- 2001 – Royal Roads University, honorary doctorate
- June 13, 2001 – University of Toronto, awarded Doctor of Science (DSc)
- June 2002 – University of Victoria, conferred Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 2002 – Nipissing University, awarded Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
- June 3, 2003 – McGill University, Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 2004 – Mount Saint Vincent University, Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
- June 2004 – McMaster University, awarded Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 2005 – University of Lethbridge, Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 2005 – Mount Allison University, honorary doctorate
- 2006 – University of Alberta, honorary doctorate
- November 25, 2010 – University of British Columbia, Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 2010 – York University, Doctor of Science (DSc)
- June 2010 – Concordia University, awarded Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 2010 – University of Waterloo, Doctor of Science (DSc)
- 2011 – Niagara University, Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- 2011 – Ryerson University, Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
- 2012 – Carleton University, awarded Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
- June 4, 2012 – Vancouver Island University, conferred Doctor of Technology (DTech)
- 2013 – University of Moncton, honorary degree
- May 30, 2013 – University of Manitoba, Doctor of Science (DSc)
- June 10, 2013 – University of Calgary, awarded Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- June 23, 2016 – British Columbia Institute of Technology, conferred Doctor of Technology (DTech)
- June 1, 2018 – Université de Montréal, honorary doctorate
These distinctions underscore Payette's significant impact in the fields of science and technology.
Honorific eponyms
Educational Institutions
- Julie Payette Public School located in Whitby
Additional honours
Payette took part in bearing the Olympic flag during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, British Columbia. She also attended the opening ceremony at the Pyeongchang Olympics eight years later.