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Julie Payette

Julie Payette is a Canadian engineer, former astronaut and former governor general of Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Julie Payette is a Canadian engineer, former astronaut and former governor general of Canada. She flew two space shuttle missions for the Canadian Space Agency and later served as Canada’s 29th governor general from 2017 to 2021. She resigned after an independent workplace review reported allegations of a toxic work environment at Rideau Hall.

Early life and education

Julie Payette was born in Montreal in 1963 and attended the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales before studying engineering in Canada. She earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from McGill University and a master’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Toronto.

Astronaut career

Payette was selected by the Canadian Space Agency in 1992 and later flew on two NASA space shuttle missions: STS-96 in 1999 and STS-127 in 2009. She held roles including systems engineer, researcher and science communicator during and after her astronaut career.

Governor general of Canada

In 2017, Payette was appointed the 29th governor general of Canada, serving as the monarch’s representative until 2021. Her tenure ended after she resigned following a workplace review into conditions at Rideau Hall.

Resignation and controversy

Payette faced controversy over workplace allegations involving staff at Rideau Hall. An independent workplace review concluded that there had been a toxic workplace environment, which led to her departure in January 2021.

Key facts

  • Julie Payette was a Canadian Space Agency astronaut who flew on STS-96 and STS-127.
  • She served as Canada’s 29th governor general from 2017 to 2021.
  • She resigned in January 2021 after a workplace review found a toxic environment at Rideau Hall.
  • She holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from McGill University and a master’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Toronto.
  • She has also worked as a systems engineer, researcher, corporate director and science communicator.
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Canadian context

Payette is a significant figure in Canadian science and public life: she was an astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency and later served as governor general, one of the highest constitutional offices in Canada.[1][2][3]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Julie Payette?
Julie Payette is a Canadian engineer, former astronaut and former governor general of Canada. She is best known for her work in the Canadian space program and her later role as the 29th governor general.
Julie Payette astronaut?
She was selected as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut in 1992 and flew two space shuttle missions: STS-96 and STS-127.
Julie Payette resignation?
She resigned as governor general in January 2021 after an independent workplace review found evidence of a toxic workplace environment at Rideau Hall.
Julie Payette controversy?
The main controversy involved allegations of workplace mistreatment by staff at Rideau Hall. An external review documented a toxic work environment, which prompted her resignation.
Julie Payette education?
Payette studied electrical engineering at McGill University and later earned a master’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Toronto. Sources also note earlier study at the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales.
Julie Payette husband?
She was married to Montreal engineer François Brissette, as confirmed by the Canadian Space Agency.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Payette
    Supports: Basic biography, birth date, astronaut career, and governor general service.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Julie-Payette
    Supports: Birth details, education, astronaut background, and governor general role.
  3. Canadian Space Agency — https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/canadian/retired/bio-julie-payette.asp
    Supports: Official astronaut biography, education, pilot credentials, and professional background.
  4. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/person/julie-payette/
    Supports: Astronaut background, education, pilot training, and spaceflight summary.
  5. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Payette
    Supports: Resignation date and workplace controversy summary.
  6. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/julie-payette-profile
    Supports: Marital status and husband identified as François Brissette.
  7. City of Montreal, Ordre de Montréal — https://ville.montreal.qc.ca/ordre/en/julie-payette
    Supports: Education and recognition in Montreal.