Brassard, winner of an Olympic gold medal in the moguls at Lillehammer 1994 and a two-time world champion, had taken on the position 2014 but his shock decision to step down was confirmed by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) today.

The 43-year-old, Canada's assistant Chef de Mission at Sochi 2014, said in a statement that he felt he "could not help the athletes to the extend that I would like".

"Since becoming Chef de Mission, my professional obligations and other responsibilities have made it very challenging for me to manage time-wise," Brassard

"After much reflection, I have come to the difficult decision, and in the best interest of Team Canada, to step down as Chef de Mission.

"I arrived at the conclusion that I could not help the athletes to the extent that I would like."

Brassard's surprise departure, which comes with just 116 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016, represents a blow to Canada's preparations for the event in the Brazilian city.

It has been linked to the way the COC handled the furore concerning former President Marcel Aubut, who resigned in October following the opening of several investigations against him which are looking into alleged sexual harassment, as Brassard was reportedly unhappy with how it had been dealt with.

The shock revelations against Aubut, also a former member of the Association of National Olympic Committees Executive Council, saw him temporarily stand down from his role as COC President before he formally resigned as a result of an investigation by a woman involved in the Canadian Olympic Foundation.

Montreal lawyer Amelia Salehabadi-Fouques is among several women to have given interviews documenting alleged harrassment, including of a "forced kiss" during their first meeting as well as "sexually charged" comments, in addition to the cases being explored by the COC.

Aubut was replaced by Olympic silver medallist Tricia Smith in November and an extensive review into the organisation was then called, which was highly critical of certain practices at the COC, including the "lack of clarity" around the role and authority of the Board in comparison to that of the President.

It led to the departure of two senior members of staff - executive director of operations Judy Crute and chief of sport officer Caroline Assalian.

"During the last four years, red lights were lit on a number of occasions, and intentionally or not, they were ignored," Brassard told Radio Canada last year.

"I want to know why.

"We're not talking about budgetary mistakes or financial issues, we're talking about human feelings."

Harnett, winner of an Olympic silver medal in the 1,000 metres time trial at Los Angeles 1984 before earning double bronze at Barcelona 1992, is confident any problems will be sorted out within the COC and is looking forward to taking on the position for Rio 2016.

The 50-year-old led the Canadian delegation at last year's Pan American Games in his home city of Toronto. 

"Quite frankly I wouldn't accept the role if I didn't [feel that way]," Harnett, who will be assisted by retired short track speed skater Isabelle Charest and gold-medal winning wrestler Carol Huynh, told The Canadian Press.

"I hold Tricia [Smith] with a high regard and I don't think it's an easy position for her to be in to implement the recommendations.

"I look forward to leading our incredible Canadian Olympic Team and working closely with the Canadian Olympic Committee to ensure our athletes have everything that they need to compete and win against the best in the world."