Media outlets including CBC and the Toronto Star are reporting that David Johnston is resigning as Canada's special rapporteur on foreign interference.
Since his appointment in March by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Johnston has been dogged by accusations that his friendship with Trudeau disqualifies him from judging whether the prime minister acted properly.
Johnston recommended last week against holding a public inquiry into allegations of Chinese interference in two Canadian federal elections.
He insisted he could deal with the issue impartially, but the House of Commons called last week for Johnston to step down from the position, citing an "appearance of bias."
Media reports indicate Johnston will still prepare a brief final report on the foreign interference issue and then resign no later than the end of this month.
Johnston's resignation letter to the prime minister stated: "When I undertook the task of independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, my objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions."
“I have concluded that, given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect.”
Johnston served as Canada's governor-general from 2010 to 2017.
He attended Sault Collegiate Institute, where he excelled at football and hockey.
His wife Sharon Johnston was born in Sault Ste. Marie.