Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on as former astronaut, and Governor General designate, Julie Payette,talks to reporters, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Thursday July 13, 2017.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on as former astronaut, and Governor General designate, Julie Payette,talks to reporters, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Thursday July 13, 2017.
Photo Credit: PC / FRED CHARTRAND

Most Canadians approve of nomination of Julie Payette to be next Governor General

Despite recent revelations about some of the troubled chapters in the life of former astronaut Julie Payette, most Canadians approve of her nomination by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to be Canada’s next Governor General, according to a new public opinion poll released by the Angus Reid Institute.

Following her nomination by Trudeau on July 13, media reports have emerged that have shown a more troubled personal life in what has been an otherwise a stellar career.

Payette was involved in a deadly accident in 2011 when her SUV struck and killed a jaywalking pedestrian. A police investigation found that Payette was innocent of any fault in the fatal collision.

That same year, she was charged with assault in Maryland, but the charge was later dropped and expunged from her record.

On Monday, CBC News reported that Payette has abandoned a bid to keep her U.S. divorce records secret after learning a group of Canadian media organizations were intending to report on her legal moves.

Canadian astronaut Julie Payette of Montreal stands with Governor General David Johnston after she was invested into the Order of Canada as Officer during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Friday September 16 2011.
Canadian astronaut Julie Payette of Montreal stands with Governor General David Johnston after she was invested into the Order of Canada as Officer during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Friday September 16 2011. © PC/FRED CHARTRAND

Against this backdrop, 55 per cent of Canadians approve of Payette’s nomination to the viceregal post, according to the Angus Reid poll. Fewer than one-in-six (14%) disapprove, while 30 per cent are unsure.

Twenty-six per cent of Canadians strongly approve of Payette’s nomination, as opposed to seven per cent who strongly disapprove.

Approval of Payette’s nomination is highest among residents of her home province of Quebec (68%), as well as among those who voted for Trudeau’s Liberal Party in the 2015 election (72%), the poll shows.

In the meantime, disapproval of Trudeau’s choice of Payette for the Governor General position is highest in Alberta (20%) and among past Conservative Party voters (25%).

Payette will become the 29th person to hold the vice-regal position, and the fourth female to be the Queen’s representative in Canada.

Payette will succeed Governor General David Johnston whose term expires in September.

The governor general represents the Queen and is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister.

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette, STS-127 mission specialist, eats a meal on Space Shuttle Endeavor’s flight deck during flight day 3, on Friday July 17, 2009.
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette, STS-127 mission specialist, eats a meal on Space Shuttle Endeavor’s flight deck during flight day 3, on Friday July 17, 2009. © PC/NASA

A veteran of two space flights, Payette logged over 611 hours in space, including aboard the International Space Station.

She also served as the Canadian Space Agency’s chief astronaut between 2000 and 2007.

A computer engineer with a commercial pilot licence, Payette is also an accomplished athlete, pianist, flutist and choral singer.

Payette speaks French and English fluently and can converse in Spanish, Italian, Russian and German.

The governor general exercises the duties of the head of state in Canada and represents the country during state visits abroad, as well as receiving royal visitors, heads of state and foreign ambassadors.

The governor general is also the commander-in-chief of Canada.

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