Whistleblowers troubled by Trudeau's warm words about Gov. Gen. Julie Payette

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's defence ofthe beleaguered Governor General this weekhas rattled some of those who complained ofJulie Payette's behaviourat work while others say they'renowmore determined to speak to the independent investigator looking into claims of workplace harassment at Rideau Hall.

On Wednesday, Trudeau called Payette an "excellent" Governor General and said he has no intention "right now"' of asking the Queen to replace her. Payette'soffice is the subject ofan independent review responding toclaims of harassment and a toxic work environment.

"We have an excellent Governor General right now and I think, on top of the COVID crisis, nobody's looking at any constitutional crises," Trudeau told RED FM in Vancouver.

Watch: Trudeau not looking to replace GG Payette right now:

Trudeau says he's not contemplating removing Governor General Julie Payette in response to bullying allegations

4 years ago

Duration 0:21

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the comments during an interview with RED FM in Vancouver.

A former Rideau Hall employee who reported harassment said Trudeau's comments felt like a "kick in the stomach." The source said the comments made them wonder if Trudeau is taking the harassment claims seriously.

"It saddened me," said the source, who added that Trudeau's remarks have solidified their decisionto take part in the review. "I don't feel I'm being treated fairly as a human being. He doesn't realize there are people behind those allegations who have suffered.

"It was a nightmare. I almost had PTSD after that. I know there's people that went into depression. It's not normal."

• Gov. Gen. Payette has created a toxic climate of harassment and verbal abuse at Rideau Hall, sources allege

In July, CBC News reported on a dozen public servants and former Rideau Hallemployees who accused Payette of belittling, berating and publicly humiliatingstaff. Her second-in-command and longtime friend,Assunta Di Lorenzo, is also accused of bullying staff.

In response, the Privy Council Office launched an external review and this week hired Quintet Consulting to look into thetoxic workplace claims andcomplete a report by later this fall. The firm ismandated to invite current and former Rideau Hall employees along with any other public servants who witnesses issues to take part ininterviews that areconfidential and voluntary.In July,Payettesaid she welcomedthe review and takes "harassment and workplace issues very seriously and I am in full agreement and welcome an independent review."

Until yesterday, Trudeau had been largelysilent on the accusations againstPayette, saying onlythat everyone has the right to work in a harassment-free environment. The change in Trudeau's tone more than a month laterhas caused some people to reconsider their decision to take part in the review while others who weren't planning to take part are now considering it.

CBC News contacted nine sources, including public servants and former Rideau Hall employees, who say theyare thinking aboutparticipating in the review. Worried that speaking out publicly could ruin their careers, theyasked CBC to keep their identitiesconfidential.

'His comments are appalling'

Several sources said they already have doubts about the review's confidentiality and aren't sure it's worth putting their livelihoods at stake after hearing Trudeau's comments.

"His comments are appalling," said one source, comparing themto a judge calling the accused "excellent" before a trial starts.

One former Rideau Hallemployee wondered whetherthe prime minister's comments amounted to "tampering" with the process.

"It seems like he's saying there's nothing here, everything is just fine."

Another source said that even if a credible firm is conducting the review, "if the government doesn't do anything once they receive the report, nothing will change."

Trudeau's remarks offereda stark contrast toa statement by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freelandin August; she drew a sharp distinction between her support for the office of the Governor General and its current occupant in the wake of reporting by CBC News showing unusual spending to meet Payette's demands for privacy.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole also said yesterday it would be inappropriate for him to comment on Payette when asked if she should resign.

Several sources said they were not surprised by Trudeau defending Payette since she was one of his signature appointments in 2017 during his first mandate. But they questioned the timing of his wordsand expressed disappointment.

One complainant who allegesDi Lorenzo harassed themsaidif the prime minister really felt Payette was doing a good job, he would have said so in July when the original story broke.

"For him to wait a month to say he supports the Governor General that he hand-selected is bizarre. It shows he cares about the optics at this stage, not the actual people who have been harassed or bullied.

"I think there's a political game going on."

The source said Trudeau could be worried about Payetteadding something unexpected toherdelivery of the speech from the throne on Sept. 23, orwhat might happen if there's a suddenelection.

"To get rid of her at this point when there may be a fall election is very difficult and, constitutionally, it would be a mess. It would be quite different if we were in a majority situation."

The Governor General issued a statement on July 23 saying she's deeply concerned bymedia reports about Rideau Hall.

"I am completely committed to ensuring that every employee who works at Rideau Hall enjoys a secure and healthy work environment at all times and under all circumstances," Payettesaid in thestatement.