Sen. Bernie Sanders says Democrats don't need GOP support to approve $2,000 stimulus checks and cancel student debt

Sanders is poised to become chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, which handles reconciliation bills.


Oma Seddiq
Thu, January 21, 2021

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Liz Lynch/Getty Images

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont wrote an opinion column this week pushing for Democrats to implement a bold economic agenda.

Now that the Democratic Party has full control over Congress, Sanders argues they can use a tool called reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority in the Senate to pass bills.

Among the key measures Sanders urges the Senate to pass are $2,000 direct payments to Americans and raising the minimum wage to $15.

However, the process may not be as simple as Sanders indicated.

Sen. Bernie Sanders this week implored Democrats to flex their power and implement a "bold and aggressive economic agenda" now that the party has full control over Congress and the White House.

In an opinion column for CNN published Tuesday, the Vermont senator argued that Democrats should utilize the budget reconciliation process to pass a wave of "big" policies under the new Biden administration.

"The Senate's 60-vote threshold to pass major legislation has become an excuse for inaction," Sanders wrote. "But let's be clear: We have the tools to overcome these procedural hurdles."

Reconciliation allows the Senate to pass bills fairly quickly and with a simple majority, as they are not subject to filibuster. The maneuver, first used by Congress in 1980, is mainly aimed at budget and spending legislation that need quick consideration.

"When the Republicans controlled the Senate during the George W. Bush and Trump presidencies, they used reconciliation to pass trillions of dollars in tax breaks for the wealthiest people and most profitable corporations. They also used reconciliation to try and repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017," Sanders wrote. "Today, Democrats must use this same process to lift Americans out of poverty, increase wages and create good-paying jobs."

"If Republicans would like to work with us, we should welcome them," he added. "But their support is not necessary."

Sanders, an independent senator who caucuses with the Democrats, emphasized that the party must move urgently as millions of Americans are still struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without action, he warned, Democrats may end up in the minority in the 2022 midterm elections.

Democrats held the House in the 2020 elections, albeit by a slimmer margin at 222-212, after losing 11 seats. The swearing-in of three new Democratic senators and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday granted Democrats the Senate, now evenly split 50-50 with Harris as the tie-breaking vote. Sanders is posed to become chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, which handles reconciliation bills.

"Failure to adequately respond to the economic desperation in America today will undermine the Biden administration and likely lead Democrats to lose their thin majorities," Sanders wrote, cautioning that the party "must not repeat those mistakes" of the Obama and Clinton years, when Democrats lost majorities during the presidents' first terms in office.

Among the key measures Sanders has proposed to tackle the economic crisis include sending $2,000 direct payments to Americans, raising the minimum wage to $15, canceling student debt, as well as providing universal pre-K and guaranteed paid family and medical leave for 12 weeks.

Sanders also called for a coronavirus relief package that offers additional funding for COVID-19 vaccine and testing, aid for state and local governments, hazard pay for essential workers and expanded weekly unemployment benefits.

President Joe Biden has backed some of Sanders' progressive ideas and put forth major items in his $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, including $1,400 checks to bump up the $600 distributed in December to $2,000. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled on Thursday that her caucus is preparing to pass the relief in early February.

However, the stimulus bill's pathway in the Senate, as well as any other spending legislation, may not be as swift and easy as Sanders suggested.

Some moderate Democrats, such as Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, have previously balked at Sanders' proposals. Considering the razor-thin Democratic majority, any reconciliation process will collapse if even a single Democrat fails to support it.

Biden, too, may be reluctant to approve bills only with Democratic support. He's repeatedly expressed his intentions to work across the aisle and come up with bipartisan agreements as president, in order to fulfill his campaign and inaugural promises of "unity."

Some Republicans have also signaled that they are ready to put up a fight against big spending moves.

"I've got a fight on my hands," GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who serves on the Senate Budget Committee, told Fox News this week.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Florida dealer accidentally sells display model of the new Ford Bronco Sport, immediately asks for it back


Kristen Lee
Thu, January 21, 2021
The new Ford Bronco Sport. Ford


A Ford dealership in Tampa Bay, Florida, accidentally sold a Bronco Sport it wasn't supposed to.


The car was a demo model meant to be on display for four months.


The customer, Adam Sidoti, was allowed to keep the car after Ford stepped in.

IT'S A DEMO HE GOT RIPPED OFF 

THEY SHOULD HAVE CHARGED HIM LESS

THAN FLOOR PRICE.

Penn State researchers have created a new battery for EVs

Shane McGlaun - Jan 21, 2021  SLASHGEAR

One of the biggest downsides to electric vehicles today for many car shoppers is range anxiety and how long it takes to recharge. A team of engineers from Penn State has begun investigations on a lithium iron phosphate battery with a range of 250 miles that can recharge in 10 minutes. While vehicles today can already drive more than 250 miles per charge, they can take hours to recharge in some instances.

Having a battery with less driving range that can recharge extremely quickly would be more appealing for many EV shoppers. Researchers on the project say the battery eliminates range anxiety and is affordable. They also believe the battery would be good for about 2 million miles of driving in its lifetime.

The key to the long usable life and fast charging is the battery’s ability to quickly heat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit during charging and discharging. When the battery isn’t working, it’s able to cool down. The battery uses a self-healing approach previously developed at the University. Researchers use a thin nickel foil with one end attached to the negative terminal and the other extending outside the cell, creating a third terminal for the self-heating process.

Once the battery’s internal temperature hits 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the switch opens, and the battery is ready for rapid charge or discharge. The team’s novel self-heating method suggests they can use low-cost materials for the battery cathode and anode along with a safe, low-voltage electrolyte.


The cathode is thermally stable using lithium iron phosphate and doesn’t contain any expensive and critical materials like cobalt. The anode is made of very large particle graphite that is safe and inexpensive. Researchers say the battery has reduced weight, volume, and cost compared to currently available batteries for electric vehicles.

Amanda Gorman: CNN’s Anderson Cooper left speechless in interview with inauguration poet

Graeme Massie
Wed, January 20, 2021

CNN’s Anderson Cooper left speechless in interview with inauguration poet(CNN)

Anderson Cooper was left lost for words as he interviewed inauguration poet Amanda Gorman.

The CNN host appeared giddy as the 22-year-old Los Angeles native wowed him in an interview.

Ms Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet when she read “The Hill We Climb,” which she finished composing after the Capitol riot.

She explained to the TV host how she used a personal mantra to prepare herself for reading during Joe Biden’s swearing in ceremony.
"Whenever I perform — and I definitely did it this time — I close my eyes and I say ‘I'm the daughter of Black writers. We're descended from freedom fighters who broke their chains and changed the world. They call me,” said Ms Gorman.

Cooper was left struggling for a response to the powerful explanation.

“Hmm… Wow … you are awesome. I am so transfixed,” a grinning Cooper eventually managed.

The journalist then asked Ms Gorman about her interactions with Hillary Clinton, who has suggested she run for president in 2036 when she is legally old enough.

“President Gorman has a nice ring to it,” said Cooper.

“Yes it does, madame president Gorman, I like the sound of it,” she replied.

Cooper added: “I think a lot of people feel that way today. It is just so thrilling to see such a bright talent burst like a supernova, so thank you.”

Ms Gorman was approached by the inaugural committee after Dr Jill Biden had seen a reading she gave at the Library of Congress.

She told Cooper that like the TV star and Mr Biden, she grew up with a speech impediment and had struggled to say the letter R.

Ms Gorman said she had used the “Aaron Burr, Sir” song from the musical Hamilton to help her work on her Rs.

“That's been a huge part of my speech pathology. It's why I included it in the inaugural poem,” she said.

“Also beyond that I think Hamilton is such a great American cultural piece of what it means to be a better country.

“It was hard for me not to just copy and paste 'My Shot,' and email it the inaugural committee and be like here's my poem.”

Read More

Poet Amanda Gorman reveals Hamilton references to Lin-Manuel Miranda

Poet Amanda Gorman studied Churchill’s delivery before poetry reading

Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman: 'Even as we grieved, we grew.'

People praise poet Amanda Gorman for inauguration perfo

Trump’s tax lawyers cut ties as he leaves office and reports say federal prosecutors already have his records

Chris Riotta
Thu, January 21, 2021

El presidente Donald Trump (derecha) y la primera dama de Estados Unidos, Melania Trump, abordan el Air Force One durante una ceremonia de despedida en la base conjunta Andrews, Maryland (EPA)

Donald Trump’s legal troubles began mounting before he could even step foot out of the White House on Wednesday.

Reports indicated early in the morning on Inauguration Day that federal prosecutors in New York had obtained some of his financial records amid an investigation into the former president and his private business.

Those records were obtained despite the Supreme Court having not yet made a decision on whether Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr can demand eight years of Mr Trump’s tax records from his accounting firm, Mazars USA.

While the district attorney’s office was still waiting for an order from the nation’s highest court on its subpoena powers, Bloomberg News reported the new developments meant investigators can begin verifying criminal allegations against the Trump Organization and former president.

By the afternoon, as President Joe Biden was officially sworn in as the next commander-in-chief, reports said Mr Trump’s team of tax lawyers were officially severing ties with him.

A spokesperson for Morgan Lewis said the global law firm was ending its relationship with Mr Trump and his business, which predated his 2015 presidential bid, according to The American Lawyer.

As the legal magazine reported, partners for the firm took a significant role in explaining to the public how the former president was planning to distance himself from his private business during his tenure in the White House.

“We have had a limited representation of the Trump Organization and Donald Trump in tax-related matters,” a spokesperson told the outlet this week. “For those matters not already concluded, we are transitioning as appropriate to other counsel.”

Other law firms also appeared to be jumping ship in the final hour, including Alston and Bird, which said in a 15 January statement it had “no intention of representing the president” in an appeal for a case involving him, his children and the Trump Organization. The firm acquired the president as a client after hiring a new litigator last year that had previously represented, and at the time was representing, Mr Trump.

While Mr Trump faced significant legal controversies throughout his presidency, and congressional investigations were launched into his alleged involvement in campaign finance violations and other concerns, he had yet to suffer the corporate backlash that befell him during his final days in office.

That came amid growing calls for his removal from office following his conduct leading up to the deadly pro-Trump mob attacks on the US Capitol, which left at least five people dead, including United States Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

Mr Trump held a rally just before the riots encouraging his supporters to march to the building as Congress convened to certify his electoral defeat in the 2020 elections – then released a video to social media during the riots in which he continued to promote false claims of rampant voter fraud.

The former president lost access to virtually all his social media accounts since the day of the riots, as the CEOs of major tech companies cited threats of further violence from his supporters as part of their reasoning for blocking or suspending Mr Trump from their platforms. Major banks also distanced themselves from Mr Trump after the riots and said they would no longer work with the former president or his business.

Even the PGA – the largest professional golf organisation in the US – disassociated from Mr Trump after the mob.

The president’s children have come out since the riot to defend him from the corporate backlash he faced, with Eric Trump insisting that companies cutting ties with his father were falling victim to “cancel culture”.

“We live in the age of cancel culture, but this isn’t something that started this week. It is something that they have been doing to us and others for years,” he told the Associated Press. “If you disagree with them, if they don’t like you, they try and cancel you.”

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers have also voted to impeach the former president for a second time due to his alleged incitement of the deadly insurrection, and the Senate could soon begin a trial even though he is no longer in office.

Read More
Trump has a Chinese bank account and pursued China projects

New financial disclosures show how hard Trump's hotels have been hit amid pandemic

Catherine Garcia
Thu, January 21, 2021


Presidents routinely file financial disclosures when they leave office, and forms recently submitted by former President Donald Trump show that 47 of his hotels, resorts, and other properties lost more than $120 million in revenue in 2020, The Washington Post reports.

The pandemic has hit the travel and hospitality industries hard, and two of Trump's most famous hotels struggled last year; the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., which has a $170 million loan outstanding, saw its revenue drop more than 60 percent, while the Doral in Miami saw its revenue decline 44 percent. Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach fared better — its revenue went up 13 percent.

An analysis by the Post found that combined, revenue at the 47 companies listed in Trump's financial disclosures dropped more than 35 percent in 2020. Banking consultant Bery Ely told the Post that Trump "faces some very serious problems that have been building in recent years and I think are going to come to a head now that he's left office." Trump, he added, has done "enormous reputational damage to himself."

While Trump does still own his company, the Post notes, it's unclear if he plans on going back to running day-to-day operations. The Trump Organization's website still lists his eldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, as the company's leaders. Read more at The Washington Post.

THIRD WORLD USA
'Unreal' and 'outrageous':

 Democrats and Republicans are demanding

 a swift investigation into how soldiers 

ended up sleeping in a parking lot PARKADE


Erin Snodgrass,David Choi
Thu, January 21, 2021

National Guard troops rest in the US Capitol while on a break. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Troops in DC were forced to vacate congressional grounds on Thursday, according to Politico.

Thousands of National Guardsmen are now taking their breaks in cramped parking garages.

Guardsmen told the outlet they had not been given a clear reason why they had to leave.

Thousands of National Guardsmen in DC who are working 12-hour shifts to protect the nation's capitol were told to vacate congressional grounds and take their breaks in a nearby parking garage, according to Politico.

One Guardsman told Politico that the garage had only one outlet, two bathroom stalls, and no internet reception for the 5,000 troops now occupying the space.

"Yesterday dozens of senators and congressmen walked down our lines taking photos, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service," the Guardsman said. "Within 24 hours, they had no further use for us and banished us to the corner of a parking garage. We feel incredibly betrayed."

Another Guardsman confirmed that all troops had been ordered to leave the Capitol premises and set up mobile command centers in hotels nearby or outside. The guardsmen who spoke to the outlet said nobody told them why they needed to relocate.

In the weeks since the January 6 Capitol riots, 25,000 National Guard troops have been occupying DC to support ongoing security activities and in anticipation of President Joe Biden's January 20 inauguration.

The heightened security presence made headlines when pictures of the troops sleeping on the floor of the US Capitol went viral. Troops were eventually given cots.

Read more: There will be more US troops in DC for Biden's inauguration than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined, a stark reminder of the danger of homegrown extremism

Guard spokesperson Major Matt Murphy told Politico that Capitol Police asked the troops to move their rest areas on Thursday now that Congress is in session and there is an increase in foot traffic throughout the Capitol.

Troops on the premises are still working 12-hour shifts to protect the Capitol, and one Guardsman confirmed to the outlet that Guard leadership was not responsible for the decision to relocate.

"There really may be an important reason for us to vacate and it just hasn't been well communicated yet," one Guardsman told reporters.

The troops are concerned that the cramped quarters of the new parking garage location combined with the limited bathroom access may lead to rising COVID-19 cases among soldiers, according to Politico.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Following the report, lawmakers from both parties swiftly called for an investigation into the matter. Later into the night, the Guardsmembers were allowed back on congressional grounds.

"If this is true, it's outrageous," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter. "I will get to the bottom of this."

Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona said the troops were welcome in her office.

"There is plenty of space in the US Capitol for the men and women keeping us safe," Sinema tweeted. "This is outrageous, shameful, and incredibly disrespectful to the men and women keeping the U.S. Capitol safe and secure. We need it fixed and we need answers on how it happened."

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a combat veteran, also donated her office to house the troops.

"Unreal. I can't believe that the same brave service members we've been asking to protect our Capitol and our Constitution these last two weeks would be unceremoniously ordered to vacate the building," Duckworth tweeted. "I am demanding answers ASAP."

Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, also a combat veteran, also described the situation as "unacceptable."

"All week these troops have been protecting the Capitol," he said. "I'll be making my office available for any guardsmen who need it and encouraging others to do the same."

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, a US Army veteran, said on Twitter that "we'll get to the bottom of this and get it fixed."

Read the full story at Politico

Read the original article on Insider

INFRASTRUCTURE

Pete Buttigieg congratulated for masterclass confirmation hearing as he’s set to be first openly gay cabinet member

Oliver O'Connell
Thu, January 21, 2021

 

Pete Buttigieg, Biden administration nominee for secretary of transportation, speaks during a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee confirmation hearing (Getty Images)

Pete Buttigieg was lauded for his performance at his confirmation hearing at which he appears to have gained bipartisan support from committee members.

Democratic Senator Jon Tester of Montana effusively praised Mr Buttigieg for his preparation and the detailed policy knowledge he demonstrated: “You have put on a clinic on how a nominee should work and act.”

Were Mr Buttigieg’s nomination by Joe Biden to lead the Department of Transportation to be approved, he would be the first openly gay man to be confirmed by the Senate to a cabinet post. Former President Donald Trump’s acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell was also openly gay, but was never confirmed to his post by the Senate.


The former presidential candidate and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana began his introductory statement by introducing his husband, Chasten, at the largely convivial hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

“I'd like to take a moment to introduce my husband, Chasten Buttigieg, who's here with me today. I'm really proud to have him by my side. I also want to take this chance to thank him for his many sacrifices and his support in making it possible for me to pursue public service,” he said.

In his testimony covering a wide range of transportation and infrastructure policy issues, Mr Buttigieg said that the administration’s ambitious agenda was a “generational opportunity” to create new jobs, fight economic inequality and stem climate change. He also highlighted the importance of safety as the foundation of the department’s work.

“[There is] a lot of work to do to improve the infrastructure in this country, a mission that will not only keep more people safe, but also grow our economy as we look to the future,” the former mayor said.

Placing the Department of Transportation at the centre of this vision of infrastructure development laid out by the new president, Mr Buttigieg linked it directly to creating millions of well-paying jobs and revitalising communities that have been left behind.

He added that it also enables American small businesses, workers, families, and farmers to compete and win in the global economy, and plays a role in tackling the climate crisis.

“Infrastructure can be the cornerstone to all of this, and you have my commitment that I will work closely with you to deliver the innovation and growth that America needs in this area,” said Mr Buttigieg.

The former mayor touted his own experience in South Bend to his understanding of the importance of infrastructure in spurring economic growth and revitalisation, while engaging stakeholders and tapping new resources to solve problems.

During questioning by committee members, Mr Buttigieg said: “This is our opportunity to do the building in ‘Build Back Better’. Every part of our transportation infrastructure needs massive investment. We have a historic opportunity to put together the resources to make those kinds of investments.”

Asked how the Biden administration plans to pay for bigger infrastructure investment, the former mayor said that the answer depends in part on the nature of the post-Covid economic recovery. He confirmed that critical federal investment in infrastructure is vital.

CRUZ CALLS HOME
The only hostile question came from Senator Ted Cruz, who raised the disconnect between the Biden administration halting the Keystone XL pipeline and its stated mission to create jobs.

The unflappable nominee responded with an entreaty to cooperate to create jobs: “If you and I can make common cause for labour, then I think that’s great news”.

Committee chair Roger Wicker began by asking if Mr Buttigieg would commit to helping him restore Amtrak service to the Gulf Coast – absent since Hurricane Katrina more than 15 years ago.

Saying that he would, Mr Buttigieg also referenced the new president’s love of Amtrak: “I think as you know I'm the second biggest train enthusiast in this administration. I think Americans ought to enjoy the highest levels of passenger rail service.”

Amy Klobuchar, who sits on the committee, greeted her former presidential campaign rival, saying: “I think you know I’m excited about your nomination … I know you well, and I can attest to my colleagues what a forward-thinking and thoughtful secretary you will be.”

The senator had earlier tweeted that Mr Buttigieg has strong bipartisan support, and committee members of both parties seemed impressed by the breadth and depth of his knowledge throughout the hearing.

Read More

Biden describes Pete Buttigieg as key to sweeping infrastructure plan

Biden team deletes old campaign ad criticising Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg takes down Trump-supporting heckler in Florida

PROFIT BEFORE PEOPLE

Alphabet Loon Internet balloon “Other Bet” gets grounded forever

SOCIALIST TECHNOLOGY KILLED BY CAPITALI$M

JC Torres - Jan 21, 2021, SLASHGEAR

Google is notorious for retiring apps and services, whether those were in wide use or not. That doesn’t apply to just software either and the company has sunset more than a handful of unsuccessful hardware projects that would have caused smaller companies to fold. Not Google, of course, for whom experiments, big or small, are a fact of life. The latest to join the dreaded Google Graveyard is Loon, the moonshot turned “Other Bet” that would have brought the Internet to places where towers and cables dare not go.

First revealed in 2013, Project Loon, which was back then still under Google and its X moonshot arm, dreamed of a more economical way of delivering the Internet to hard-to-reach areas without relying on expensive satellites. In the middle of the Google split and reorganization under the new Alphabet, Loon, as well as its cousin Titan, survived and became “Other Bets”. Titan and its Internet-bearing solar-powered drones were grounded in 2017.

In terms of technical aspects, the Project Loon experiment was deemed a success. A lot of effort went into making these balloons not only efficient but also smart, using AI to plot out their course and avoid other balloons without human intervention. These Loon balloons were poised to connect the next billion people to the Internet but, unfortunately, that was also the reason why it’s being shut down despite its success.

Loon wasn’t meant to be a charity and its long-term viability would have depended on it becoming a sustainable business. Unfortunately, the next billion users it wanted to connect are exactly the kind of users that wouldn’t have resources to spare for expensive services. As such, there was really no point in Alphabet throwing money at it to keep the balloons afloat.

Project Loon will be winding down operations and its remaining balloons in the coming months while employees are shuffled across Alphabet, Google, and X. It’s definitely disappointing news to hear, especially given how Loon Internet played critical roles in some natural disasters in the past two to three years. That pretty much leaves Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellation as the last one standing among efforts to spread the Internet further and farther, but that will most likely also be out of reach for the next billion that Loon was aiming for.

Study finds potential vegan diet nutritional risks in young kids

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS ARE NOT SCIENCE 

OR HEALTH BASED BUT ABOUT MORALITY

WE ARE OMNIVORES, EAT WHAT YOU WILL

Brittany A. Roston - Jan 21, 2021, SLASHGEAR

A new study out of Finland has evaluated potential health consequences associated with vegan diets specifically in young kids. Though many studies have looked into the potential benefits and downsides of a diet free from animal products, they tend to focus on adults — and, as the new study highlights, those results don’t necessarily translate to the right recommendations for children.

Plant-based diets, including vegan diets that exclude all animal products, have become increasingly popular, particularly among youth who cite everything from health focus to eco-friendliness as their reasons for their dietary decisions. Past studies have linked vegan diets with some big health benefits, as well as a few risks, particularly when it comes to nutrient deficiencies.

The new study from the University of Helsinki looked specifically at the potential deficiencies that may be found in young kids who are fed a vegan diet, comparing them to the same vitamin levels found in kids who eat a regular omnivore diet.

Generally speaking, people who eat a vegan diet are advised to supplement it with vitamin D and B12, as well as iodine; in some cases, it may also be necessary to supplement with zinc, calcium, iron, and B2, as well. Of these vitamins and minerals, the study found that young kids fed a vegan diet had the same levels as kids fed an omnivore diet, with the exception of vitamin D.

The vegan families, the study notes, provided their kids with iodine and regular vitamin B12/D supplements — but, it seems, the recommendations made based on adults may not be effective for young kids. The ‘significantly lower’ vitamin D levels were despite the supplements and the fact that the levels were tested in late summer when sun exposure is greatest.

As well, the study found that the kids fed vegan diets were also lower in vitamin A, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and the essential amino acid docosahexaenoic. However, these same kids were found to have ‘remarkably high’ folate levels. Though additional research is necessary to better understand the impact of a vegan diet in young kids, the findings indicate that research focused on adults can’t be extrapolated to youth.


Story Timeline
Huel Hot & Savory deliver two healthy vegan meals in an instant

Diet study finds many vegans may severely lack iodine, but not B12

Study finds vegans may face greater bone fracture risk than meat eaters

Payette stepping down as governor general after blistering report on Rideau Hall work environment

Chief Justice Richard Wagner will be fulfilling duties of the Governor General

Ashley Burke · CBC News · Posted: Jan 21, 2021

Governor General Julie Payette arrives at a swearing in ceremony in Ottawa, Ont., on August 18, 2020. (Patrick Doyle/Reuters)


Gov.-Gen. Julie Payette and her secretary, Assunta di Lorenzo, are resigning after an outside workplace review of Rideau Hall found that the pair presided over a toxic work environment.

Last year, an independent consulting firm was hired by the Privy Council Office (PCO) to review reports that Payette was responsible for workplace harassment at Rideau Hall.

Sources who were briefed on the consulting firm's report told CBC News that its conclusions were damning.

President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada Dominic LeBlanc told CBC's Vassy Kapelos the federal government received the final report late last week, which he said offered some "disturbing" and "worrisome" conclusions.

LeBlanc said Payette indicated her intention to resign during a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last night, where they discussed the report's contents.

Read Julie Payette's full statement on her decision to resign as governor general

In a media statement announcing her departure, Payette apologized for what she called the "tensions" at Rideau Hall in recent months, saying that everyone has "a right to a healthy and safe work environment."

"While no formal complaints or official grievances were made during my tenure, which would have immediately triggered a detailed investigation as prescribed by law and the collective agreements in place, I still take these allegations very seriously," she said in the statement.

"We all experience things differently, but we should always strive to do better and be attentive to one another's perceptions."

WATCH | Gov. Gen. Julie Payette resigns after scathing workplace review:


Gov. Gen. Julie Payette resigns after scathing workplace review

Video Gov. Gen. Julie Payette resigned on Thursday after a scathing review about a toxic workplace at Rideau Hall. The review followed CBC reporting into allegations of workplace harassment and bullying in the Governor General’s office. 2:50

Payette said her resignation comes at a good time because her father is in poor health and her family needs her help.

Trudeau's office confirmed receiving Payette's resignation.

"Every employee in the Government of Canada has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment, and we will always take this very seriously," Trudeau said in a statement. "Today's announcement provides an opportunity for new leadership at Rideau Hall to address the workplace concerns raised by employees during the review."

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Richard Wagner will fulfil the duties of the Governor General on an interim basis. In a short statement, Buckingham Palace said "the Queen has been kept informed of developments."

Third-party review

The Privy Council Office launched the unprecedented third-party review in July in response to a CBC News report featuring a dozen public servants and former employees confidentially claiming Payette belittled, berated and publicly humiliated Rideau Hall staff. Di Lorenzo, Payette's longtime friend and second-in-command, is also accused of bullying staff.

Payette tweeted two days after that story aired that she was "deeply concerned about the media reports" and she "takes harassment and workplace issues very seriously ... I am in full agreement and welcome the independent review."

As of Jan. 5, Rideau Hall had spent more than $150,000 in public funds on legal representation in response to the toxic workplace allegations, and had hired a former Supreme Court justice to represent Payette and Blakes law firm for the institution itself.

That sum is larger than the original value of the federal contract that hired Quintet Consulting to conduct the review. The private firm was hired on an $88,325 contract in Sept. 2020.

Sources have also told CBC that Secretary to the Governor General Assunta Di Lorenzo, who has also been accused of harassing employees, recently hired Marie Henein's firm to represent her.

Henein represented ex-Vice Admiral Mark Norman, the military's former second-in-command, during his trial for breach of trust. Federal prosecutors stayed that charge. It's not clear if Henein or another lawyer at her firm is personally representing Di Lorenzo.

The Bloc Québécois issued a statement calling for the immediate release of the Rideau Hall workplace review and said the position of Governor General has no place in a democracy.

LeBlanc said his department has already received — and will comply with — access to information requests for the report. But he added that federal privacy law limits what can be disclosed.

"The government is not in a position ... to necessarily release all the details of the report," LeBlanc said. "We will clearly comply with the access to information legislation and the appropriate version will be made public as soon as we can."

Removing a Governor General

Payette joins a very short list of governors general who have left the post early — but she is the first to do so mired in controversy.

Lord Alexander left for England a month before Vincent Massey was sworn in as his replacement in 1952. John Buchan, also known as Lord Tweedsmuir, and Georges Vanier both died while serving, in 1940 and 1967, respectively. In those cases, the Supreme Court chief justice of the day stepped in to fill the role temporarily.

Romeo LeBlanc, Dominic's father, stepped down in 1999 before the end of his term due to health issues. The office was not left vacant; LeBlanc continued until Adrienne Clarkson was ready to succeed him.

Governors general have resigned under pressure — and have been asked to resign by prime ministers — in Commonwealth countries in the past. In 2003, Australian Gov. Gen. Peter Hollingworth resigned after controversy erupted over the way he had handled sexual abuse claims while he was archbishop of Brisbane.

WATCH | Former heritage minister on choosing a governor general

Former heritage minister reflects on choosing a governor general

Video James Moore was the heritage minister in the Conservative government of Stephen Harper. 1:48

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole released a statement calling on the Liberal government to consult the other parties before choosing Payette's permanent replacement.

"The Governor General is the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces and has an important constitutional role," O'Toole said. "Considering the problems with his last appointment and the minority Parliament, the Prime Minister should consult opposition parties and re-establish the Vice-Regal Appointments Committee."

That committee was created by the Harper government in 2012 to identify a list of possible candidates for viceregal offices, including the Governor General, through a non-partisan consultation process. It was later disbanded and was dormant in 2017.

LeBlanc committed the Liberal government to a "robust and thorough and complete" vetting process when choosing Payette's successor.

In a statement, Robert Finch, chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada, called media reports about Payette's behaviour "regrettable." He said he hopes that her resignation will usher in a new chapter at Rideau Hall defined by "loyalty, dignity and respect."

"It is important to remember that the Governor General represents our admired head of state, the Queen," said Finch. "If future vice-regals aspire to perform their roles with the grace, dedication and duty as our Sovereign has during almost 70 years, they will excel."


With files from the CBC's Mark Gollom, Peter Zimonjic, Ryan Jones and the Canadian Press
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