Rideau Hall has spent more than $110,000 in public money so far on legal representation in response to allegations of a toxic workplace and verbal harassment at the Governor General's office, Radio-Canada has learned. Gen. Julie Payette belittled, berated and publicly humiliated Rideau Hall staff. Rideau Hall hired former NDP national director Karl Bélanger and his firm, Traxxion Strategies, in August to provide strategic communications counsel and media relations support to Payette. Bastarache has received $36,208 for his services, Rideau Hall said. Smith said the "rights of OSGG staff regarding privacy and confidentiality, which were not covered in the initial terms of reference, are being protected through this counsel."

Source: CBC News October 14, 2020 19:07 UTC