Under section 14 of the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, a designated officer may request advice from the Public Interest Commissioner with respect to the management and investigation of a disclosure of wrongdoing. Requests for advice can be made at any point in the process. The Commissioner’s office can provide guidance on how to assess and manage public interest disclosures, and how to interpret the Act’s requirements.
Forwarding a request for advice does not automatically trigger an investigation by the Commissioner. The Commissioner’s office will provide advice and support designated officers in carrying out their duties. A matter may be considered for investigation by the Commissioner on request by a designated officer or if a complainant is dissatisfied with a designated officer’s decision.