Whistleblower Protection
The Issue
Public or private sector employees who report illegal, unethical or abusive institutional behaviour typically face retaliation, which can include discipline, ostracism, social stigmatization, demotion, dismissal, and criminal charges. Laws in Canada to protect whistleblowers are largely ineffective and sometimes counterproductive -- the legal forum created by the laws can be a vehicle for formally endorsing the retaliation.
Why It Matters
Whistleblowing serves vital institutional and public purposes. It allows issues of concern to be identified and resolved internally, where possible, and, where not, it brings alleged wrongdoing to public attention so problems can be corrected and future harm avoided.
Our Work
The tasks of the Centre for Free Expression Whistleblowing Initiative include:
- Investigating the Phoenix payroll system failure;
- Establishing an advice line to support whistleblowers;
- Organizing public events on whistleblowing;
- Evaluating existing whistleblowing laws in Canada;
- Making recommendations for new / improved Canadian whistleblowing laws;
- Maintaining an up-to-date database of major whistleblowing cases in Canada;
- Conducting benchmarking research in Canada on organizational whistleblowing; practices in both the public and private sectors;
- Assisting with the adoption of effective public and private sector organizational whistleblowing policy and procedures;
- Representing Canada in the Whistleblowing International Network
Resources
New study finds reduced harassment and discrimination in Canada’s live entertainment industry
A survey of those working in Canada’s live entertainment industry reported a significant reduction in incidents of harassment and discrimination following introduction of Canadian Actors Equity’s
October 27, 2020
CFE Virtual Forum Series: Legal Protections for Whistleblowers: What is needed in Canada?
Panelists: Ian Bron, Tom Devine, Anna Myers
Moderator: David Hutton
Evaluation Criteria for Protection of Whistleblowers: A guide for legislation and policy
Centre for Free Expression Whistleblowing Initiative
CFE joins international call for whistleblower protection during COVID-19 crisis
Major whistleblowing organizations from around world, including the Centre for Free Expression, issued a joint letter today calling on governments and institutions to protect those who report or e
April 6, 2020
BPC Bulletin: Indigenous Government Tries to Silence Whistleblower
August 19, 2019 - In northwestern British Columbia, the Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG) is trying to legally silence one of its employees.
- 1 of 5
- next ›