This release was issued under a previous government.

“Our government is leading the way in openness and transparency; setting the ‘gold-standard’ for expense disclosure rules in Canada, opening the doors to government data through our new Open Data Portal, and establishing legislation to protect whistleblowers,” said Manmeet S. Bhullar, Minister of Service Alberta. “Premier Redford asked us to transform the way that government does business and we are delivering on her commitment.”

The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, passed in the fall 2012 session of the Legislature, protects public sector employees from job reprisal if they report wrongdoing.

“This new law gives public sector employees the confidence and protection they deserve for reporting a wrongdoing. It means no dismissal, layoff, suspension, demotion or transfer, or fear of reprimand or harassment for whistleblowers,” said Don Scott, Associate Minister of Accountability, Transparency and Transformation. “Any measure taken to adversely affect the whistleblower’s employment or working conditions will be met with steep fines of up to $25,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for subsequent offences.”

The legislation applies to the Alberta Public Service; provincial agencies, boards and commissions with employees; post-secondary academic institutions; school boards; charter schools; private schools that receive government grants; and public sector health organizations. Health care professionals appointed to the medical or professional staff of a public organization, or who hold privileges with one, are also protected under the Act.

Under the legislation, public sector bodies are required to appoint a designated officer within their organization to investigate and resolve complaints by employees who report violations of provincial or federal law; acts or omissions that create a danger to the public or environment; and gross mismanagement of public funds. Employees can also take their complaint directly to the newly established Office of the Public Interest Commissioner.

“One of my goals as Public Interest Commissioner is to help build a culture where public sector employees not only feel safe when reporting a wrongdoing within their workplace, but they feel encouraged to do so,” said Peter Hourihan, who was appointed Commissioner in April. “Employees across the public sector now have protection from reprisals, and our office will work with them to investigate allegations of wrongdoing or reprisals.”

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Dave Prisco
Press Secretary
Service Alberta
780-422-6880
780-499-6734 (cell)
[email protected]
Twitter @ServiceAlberta

Paul Michna
Communications Manager
Alberta Ombudsman
780-643-1531
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.