I’ve been asked to participate in an investigation An investigator from the Commissioner’s office may contact individuals who may be able to provide information relating to a matter under investigation. Specific information that is important for witnesses to know may be found here.
As we approach the third scheduled review of the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (the Act), our office is preparing to support the legislated review process. Periodic review is beneficial, contributing to a more dynamic, responsive, and effective legal framework that better serves Albertans. The Act states under section 37 that, “Within 2 years…
The Act is intended to facilitate the disclosure and investigation of serious and significant wrongdoings occurring within our public service. These are not simple matters and require substantial time and resources to investigate. The Commissioner’s office carefully reviews and assesses each disclosure and complaint to determine whether the subject matter is appropriately addressed under the…
AUDITING WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY AND PROCEDURES A guide to effective whistleblower policies and procedures The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (the Act) is intended to address the most serious and significant forms of wrongdoing occurring within the public sector. In over 10 years of operation, the Commissioner’s office has assessed a myriad of whistleblower procedures…
Third-party whistleblower hotlines are a service used by many organizations in both the public and private sectors. The intent of these hotlines is to give employees the ability to make anonymous whistleblower complaints through a mechanism outside the organization. One perspective is that this will give employees more confidence in coming forward as it affords…
The Act requires that public entities, to which the Act applies, have written procedures for managing and investigating disclosures made by employees. The Commissioner’s office has observed several instances where organizations have attempted to conflate these procedures with other existing internal policies and codes of conduct. The intent of doing so is often rooted in…
Purpose of the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (the Act) The purpose of the Act is to give employees in the public service a safe avenue to report wrongdoing that may be unlawful, dangerous or injurious to the public interest. The Act gives the Public Interest Commissioner the authority to investigate certain types of…