AMC responds to the resignation of Governor General Julie Payette
January 21, 2021
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement in response to today’s resignation of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada.
“On behalf of the Assembly, I want to thank former Governor General Julie Payette for her service as the Queen’s representative in Canada,” said AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas. “With that said, the AMC, however, is troubled by the reported ‘toxic’ working environment of the office of the Governor General. There should be no room for this type of behaviour by anyone in any organization or government department. I do hope those impacted find some peace and resolution with the outcome of this report.“
Grand Chief Dumas went on to state, “to the Treaty Nations in Manitoba and across Canada, the role of the Governor General is more than symbolic. As the Queen’s representative to Canada, the role is central to breathing life into the Treaty relationship. The AMC will be looking forward to discussions and engagement with the Federal Government (and with the Buckingham Palace if necessary) on the appointment of the next Governor General of Canada. I note that there are many very qualified First Nations nominees right here in Manitoba with equally extensive backgrounds who could fulfill the role of the Queen’s representative. The selection of a First Nations Governor General from Manitoba or from other parts of the country would send a strong message to the Treaty Nations that this government is sincere about its rhetoric on reconciliation and that there is no relation more important to the Prime Minister than the one with Indigenous peoples.”