Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act

Contents

Recognizing thatthe federal public administration is an important national institution and is part of the essential framework of Canadian parliamentary democracy;it is in the public interest to maintain and enhance public confidence in the integrity of public servants;confidence in public institutions can be enhanced by establishing effective procedures for the disclosure of wrongdoings and for protecting public servants who disclose wrongdoings, and by establishing a code of conduct for the public sector;public servants owe a duty of loyalty to their employer and enjoy the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that this Act strives to achieve an appropriate balance between those two important principles;the Government of Canada commits to establishing a Charter of Values of Public Service setting out the values that should guide public servants in their work and professional conduct;Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

Short Title

1Short title#

This Act may be cited as the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.

Interpretation

2Definitions#

(1)The following definitions apply in this Act.

Agency [Repealed, 2010, c. 12, s. 1678]

chief executive means the deputy head or chief executive officer of any portion of the public sector, or the person who occupies any other similar position, however called, in the public sector. (administrateur général)

Commissioner means the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner appointed under subsection 39(1). (commissaire)

investigation means, for the purposes of sections 24, 25, 26 to 31, 33, 34, 36 and 37, an investigation into a disclosure and an investigation commenced under section 33. (enquête)

member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police means a person who is a member or a special constable of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or who is employed by that force under terms and conditions substantially the same as those of one of its members. (membre de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada)

Minister [Repealed, 2010, c. 12, s. 1678]

protected disclosure means a disclosure that is made in good faith and that is made by a public servant

(a)in accordance with this Act;

(b)in the course of a parliamentary proceeding;

(c)in the course of a procedure established under any other Act of Parliament; or

(d)when lawfully required to do so. (divulgation protégée)

public sector means

(a)the departments named in Schedule I to the Financial Administration Act and the other portions of the federal public administration named in Schedules I.1 to V to that Act; and

(b)the Crown corporations and the other public bodies set out in Schedule 1.

However, subject to sections 52 and 53, public sector does not include the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service or the Communications Security Establishment. (secteur public)

public servant means every person employed in the public sector, every member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and every chief executive. (fonctionnaire)

reprisal means any of the following measures taken against a public servant because the public servant has made a protected disclosure or has, in good faith, cooperated in an investigation into a disclosure or an investigation commenced under section 33:

(a)a disciplinary measure;

(b)the demotion of the public servant;

(c)the termination of employment of the public servant, including, in the case of a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a discharge or dismissal;

(d)any measure that adversely affects the employment or working conditions of the public servant; and

(e)a threat to take any of the measures referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (d). (représailles)

senior officer means a senior officer designated under subsection 10(2). (agent supérieur)

Tribunal means the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal established under subsection 20.7(1). (Tribunal)

wrongdoing means a wrongdoing referred to in section 8. (acte répréhensible)

(2)Every reference in this Act to a person who has taken a reprisal includes a person who has directed the reprisal to be taken.

2.1 #

[Repealed before coming into force, 2006, c. 9, s. 195] (repealed)

Amending the Schedules

3Amending the schedules#

The Governor in Council may, by order, amend

(a)Schedule 1 by adding the name of any Crown corporation or other public body;

(b)Schedule 2 by adding or deleting the name of any portion of the public sector that has a statutory mandate to investigate other portions of the public sector; and

(c)Schedule 3 by adding or deleting any provision of any Act of Parliament.

^note

Promoting Ethical Practices

4Promotion of ethical practices and dissemination of information#

The President of the Treasury Board must promote ethical practices in the public sector and a positive environment for disclosing wrongdoings by disseminating knowledge of this Act and information about its purposes and processes and by any other means that he or she considers appropriate.^note

Code of Conduct

5Obligation to establish — Treasury Board#

(1)The Treasury Board must establish a code of conduct applicable to the public sector.

(2)The Treasury Board’s obligation under subsection (1) applies despite the provisions of the Financial Administration Act and of any other Act of Parliament that otherwise restrict the powers of the Treasury Board.

(3)Before the code of conduct is established, the President of the Treasury Board must consult with the employee organizations certified as bargaining agents in the public sector.

(4)The President of the Treasury Board must cause the code of conduct established by the Treasury Board to be tabled before each House of Parliament at least 30 days before it comes into force.

^note

6Chief executives shall establish codes of conduct#

(1)Every chief executive shall establish a code of conduct applicable to the portion of the public sector for which he or she is responsible.

(2)The codes of conduct established by chief executives must be consistent with the code of conduct established by the Treasury Board.

7Application#

(1)The codes of conduct applicable to a portion of the public sector apply to every public servant employed in that portion of the public sector.

(2)In the event of a conflict between the code of conduct established under subsection 5(1) or 6(1) and the code of conduct established under section 38 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, the code of conduct established under that section prevails to the extent of the conflict.

Wrongdoings

8Wrongdoings#

This Act applies in respect of the following wrongdoings in or relating to the public sector:

(a)a contravention of any Act of Parliament or of the legislature of a province, or of any regulations made under any such Act, other than a contravention of section 19 of this Act;

(b)a misuse of public funds or a public asset;

(c)a gross mismanagement in the public sector;

(d)an act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment, other than a danger that is inherent in the performance of the duties or functions of a public servant;

(e)a serious breach of a code of conduct established under section 5 or 6; and

(f)knowingly directing or counselling a person to commit a wrongdoing set out in any of paragraphs (a) to (e).

(g)[Repealed, 2006, c. 9, s. 197] (repealed)

^note

9Disciplinary action#

In addition to, and apart from, any penalty provided for by law, a public servant is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including termination of employment, if he or she commits a wrongdoing.

Disclosure of Wrongdoings

10Establishment of internal disclosure procedures#

(1)Each chief executive must establish internal procedures to manage disclosures made under this Act by public servants employed in the portion of the public sector for which the chief executive is responsible.

(2)Each chief executive must designate a senior officer to be responsible for receiving and dealing with, in accordance with the duties and powers of senior officers set out in the code of conduct established by the Treasury Board, disclosures of wrongdoings made by public servants employed in the portion of the public sector for which the chief executive is responsible.

(3)A chief executive may designate as a senior officer for the portion of the public sector for which the chief executive is responsible a person who is employed in any other portion of the public sector.

(4)Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a chief executive if he or she declares, after giving notice to the Chief Human Resources Officer appointed under subsection 6(2.1) of the Financial Administration Act, that it is not practical to apply those subsections given the size of that portion of the public sector.

^note

11Duty of chief executives#

(1)Each chief executive must

(a)subject to paragraph (c) and any other Act of Parliament and to the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice, protect the identity of persons involved in the disclosure process, including that of persons making disclosures, witnesses and persons alleged to be responsible for wrongdoings;

(b)establish procedures to ensure the confidentiality of information collected in relation to disclosures of wrongdoings; and

(c)if wrongdoing is found as a result of a disclosure made under section 12, promptly provide public access to information that

(i)describes the wrongdoing, including information that could identify the person found to have committed it if it is necessary to identify the person to adequately describe the wrongdoing, and

(ii)sets out the recommendations, if any, set out in any report made to the chief executive in relation to the wrongdoing and the corrective action, if any, taken by the chief executive in relation to the wrongdoing or the reasons why no corrective action was taken.

(2)Nothing in paragraph (1)(c) requires a chief executive to provide public access to information the disclosure of which is subject to any restriction created by or under any Act of Parliament.

^note

12Disclosure to supervisor or senior officer#

A public servant may disclose to his or her supervisor or to the senior officer designated for the purpose by the chief executive of the portion of the public sector in which the public servant is employed any information that the public servant believes could show that a wrongdoing has been committed or is about to be committed, or that could show that the public servant has been asked to commit a wrongdoing.

13Disclosure to the Commissioner#

(1)A public servant may disclose information referred to in section 12 to the Commissioner.

(2)Nothing in this Act authorizes a public servant to disclose to the Commissioner a confidence of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada in respect of which subsection 39(1) of the Canada Evidence Act applies or any information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The Commissioner may not use the confidence or information if it is disclosed.

^note

14Disclosure concerning the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner#

A disclosure that a public servant is entitled to make under section 13 that concerns the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner may be made to the Auditor General of Canada who has, in relation to that disclosure, the powers, duties and protections of the Commissioner under this Act.

14.1Restriction re portions named in Schedule 2#

Despite sections 12 to 14, a public servant employed in a portion of the public sector that has a statutory mandate to investigate other portions of the public sector and that is named in Schedule 2 may disclose information under any of those sections only if the wrongdoing to which the information relates involves the portion of the public sector in which he or she is employed.

15Application of ss. 12 to 14#

Sections 12 to 14 apply despite

(a)section 5 of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, to the extent that that section relates to obligations set out in Schedule 1 to that Act relating to the disclosure of information; and

(b)any restriction created by or under any other Act of Parliament on the disclosure of information, other than a restriction created by or under any provision set out in Schedule 3.

15.1Requirements when making a disclosure#

In making a disclosure under this Act, a public servant must

(a)provide no more information than is reasonably necessary to make the disclosure; and

(b)follow established procedures or practices for the secure handling, storage, transportation and transmission of information or documents, including, but not limited to, information or documents that the Government of Canada or any portion of the public sector is taking measures to protect.

16Disclosure to public#

(1)A disclosure that a public servant may make under sections 12 to 14 may be made to the public if there is not sufficient time to make the disclosure under those sections and the public servant believes on reasonable grounds that the subject-matter of the disclosure is an act or omission that

(a)constitutes a serious offence under an Act of Parliament or of the legislature of a province; or

(b)constitutes an imminent risk of a substantial and specific danger to the life, health and safety of persons, or to the environment.

(1.1)Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of information the disclosure of which is subject to any restriction created by or under any Act of Parliament, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

(2)Nothing in subsection (1) affects the rights of a public servant to make to the public in accordance with the law a disclosure that is not protected under this Act.

17Exception — special operational information#

Section 12, subsection 13(1) and sections 14 and 16 do not apply in respect of any information that is special operational information within the meaning of subsection 8(1) of the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act.^note

18Saving — journalists with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation#

Nothing in this Act relating to the making of disclosures is to be construed as applying to the dissemination of news and information by a person employed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for that purpose.

18.1Other obligations to report#

Nothing in this Act relating to the making of disclosures is to be construed as affecting any obligation of a public servant to disclose, report or otherwise give notice of any matter under any other Act of Parliament.

Complaints Relating to Reprisals

Prohibition Against Reprisals

19Prohibition against reprisal#

No person shall take any reprisal against a public servant or direct that one be taken against a public servant.^note

Complaints

19.1Complaints#

(1)A public servant or a former public servant who has reasonable grounds for believing that a reprisal has been taken against him or her may file with the Commissioner a complaint in a form acceptable to the Commissioner. The complaint may also be filed by a person designated by the public servant or former public servant for the purpose.

(2)The complaint must be filed not later than 60 days after the day on which the complainant knew, or in the Commissioner’s opinion ought to have known, that the reprisal was taken.

(3)The complaint may be filed after the period referred to in subsection (2) if the Commissioner feels it is appropriate considering the circumstances of the complaint.

(4)Subject to subsection 19.4(4), the filing of a complaint under subsection (1) precludes the complainant from commencing any procedure under any other Act of Parliament or collective agreement in respect of the measure alleged to constitute the reprisal.

(5)A member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police may not make a complaint under subsection (1) in relation to any action under section 20.2, or any matter that is the subject of an investigation or proceeding under Part IV of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, unless

(a)he or she has exhausted every procedure available under that Act for dealing with the action or matter; and

(b)the complaint is filed within 60 days after those procedures have been exhausted.

^note

19.2Complaint in respect of past disclosures#

(1)A public servant who alleges that a reprisal was taken against him or her by reason that he or she, in good faith, disclosed, after February 10, 2004 and before the day on which section 19.1 comes into force, a wrongdoing in the course of a parliamentary proceeding or an inquiry under Part I of the Inquiries Act may file a complaint under that section in respect of the reprisal.

(2)The public servant may file the complaint within 60 days after the later of

(a)the day on which section 19.1 comes into force, and

(b)the day on which he or she knew or, in the opinion of the Commissioner, ought to have known that the reprisal was taken.

^note

19.3Refusal to deal with complaint#

(1)The Commissioner may refuse to deal with a complaint if he or she is of the opinion that

(a)the subject-matter of the complaint has been adequately dealt with, or could more appropriately be dealt with, according to a procedure provided for under an Act of Parliament, other than this Act, or a collective agreement;

(b)if the complainant is a member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the subject-matter of the complaint has been adequately dealt with by the procedures referred to in subsection 19.1(5);

(c)the complaint is beyond the jurisdiction of the Commissioner; or

(d)the complaint was not made in good faith.

(2)The Commissioner may not deal with a complaint if a person or body acting under another Act of Parliament or a collective agreement is dealing with the subject-matter of the complaint other than as a law enforcement authority.

(3)For the purpose of subsection (2), a person or body dealing with a matter in the course of an investigation or proceeding under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act is deemed not to be dealing with the matter as a law enforcement authority.

(4)The Commissioner ceases to have jurisdiction to deal with a complaint filed by a member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police if an application for judicial review of any decision relating to the procedures referred to in subsection 19.1(5) is made by the member.

^note

19.4Time limit#

(1)The Commissioner must decide whether or not to deal with a complaint within 15 days after it is filed.

(2)If the Commissioner decides to deal with a complaint, he or she must send a written notice of his or her decision to the complainant and to the person or entity that has the authority to take disciplinary action against each person who participated in the taking of a measure alleged by the complainant to constitute a reprisal.

(3)If the Commissioner decides not to deal with a complaint, he or she must send a written notice of his or her decision to the complainant and set out the reasons for the decision.

(4)If the Commissioner decides not to deal with a complaint and sends the complainant a written notice setting out the reasons for that decision,

(a)subsection 19.1(4) ceases to apply; and

(b)the period of time that begins on the day on which the complaint was filed and ends on the day on which the notice is sent is not to be included in the calculation of any time the complainant has to avail himself or herself of any procedure under any other Act of Parliament or collective agreement in respect of the measure alleged to constitute the reprisal.

(5)Subsection (4) does not apply if the Commissioner has decided not to deal with the complaint for the reason that it was not made in good faith.

^note

Disciplinary Action

19.5Restriction on disciplinary action#

(1)If the Commissioner decides to deal with a complaint and sends a written notice under subsection 19.4(2) and no disciplinary action has yet been taken against a person by reason of that person’s participation in the taking of a measure alleged by the complainant to constitute a reprisal, no disciplinary action may be taken during the period referred to in subsection (3) in relation to the person’s participation in the taking of the measure.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of disciplinary action taken as a result of a settlement approved by the Commissioner or an order of the Tribunal.

(3)For the purposes of subsection (1), the period during which no disciplinary action may be taken is the period that begins on the day on which the Commissioner sends the notice referred to in subsection 19.4(2) and ends on the earliest of

(a)the day on which the complaint is withdrawn or dismissed,

(b)the day on which the Commissioner makes an application to the Tribunal for an order referred to in paragraph 20.4(1)(a) in respect of the complaint, and

(c)in the case where the Commissioner makes an application to the Tribunal for the orders referred to in paragraph 20.4(1)(b) in respect of the complaint, the day on which the Tribunal makes a determination that the complainant was not subject to a reprisal taken by the person.

(4)If a time limit is provided for under any Act of Parliament or collective agreement for the taking of disciplinary action, the period during which disciplinary action may not be taken against the person by reason of subsection (1) is not to be included in the calculation of the prescribed time limit.

(5)This section applies despite Part IV of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

^note

19.6Suspension of disciplinary action#

(1)If the Commissioner decides to deal with a complaint and sends a written notice under subsection 19.4(2) and disciplinary action has already been taken against a person by reason of the person’s participation in the taking of a measure alleged by the complainant to constitute a reprisal

(a)the implementation of the disciplinary action — and the commencement or continuation of any procedure in relation to the disciplinary action by the person under any other Act of Parliament or collective agreement — is suspended for the period referred to in subsection (3); and

(b)the appropriate chief executive must take the measures necessary to put the person in the situation the person was in before the disciplinary action was implemented.

(2)If the disciplinary action already taken against a person by reason of the person’s participation in the taking of a measure alleged by the complainant to constitute a reprisal has been the subject of a decision of a court, tribunal or arbitrator dealing with it on the merits, other than a decision made under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act,

(a)subsection (1) does not apply; and

(b)neither the Commissioner nor the Tribunal may deal with the issue of disciplinary action against that person.

(3)For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the suspension begins on the day on which the Commissioner sends the notice referred to in subsection 19.4(2) and ends on the earliest of

(a)the day on which the complaint is withdrawn or dismissed,

(b)the day on which the Commissioner makes an application to the Tribunal for an order referred to in paragraph 20.4(1)(a) in respect of the complaint,

(d)the day on which the disciplinary action is taken as a result of a settlement approved by the Commissioner or an order of the Tribunal.

(4)Disciplinary action taken as a result of a settlement approved by the Commissioner or an order of the Tribunal cancels any prior disciplinary action.

(5)This section applies despite Part IV of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

^note

Investigations into Complaints

19.7Designation of complaint investigator#

(1)The Commissioner may designate a person as an investigator to investigate a complaint.

(2)Investigations into complaints are to be conducted as informally and expeditiously as possible.

^note

19.8Notice to chief executive#

(1)When commencing an investigation, the investigator must notify the chief executive concerned and inform that chief executive of the substance of the complaint to which the investigation relates.

(2)The investigator may also notify any other person he or she considers appropriate, including every person whose conduct is called into question by the complaint, and inform the person of the substance of the complaint.

^note

19.9Access#

(1)If the investigator so requests, chief executives and public servants must provide the investigator with any facilities, assistance, information and access to their respective offices that the investigator may require for the purposes of the investigation.

(2)If the investigator concludes that he or she is unable to complete an investigation because of insufficient cooperation on the part of chief executives or public servants, he or she must make a report to the Commissioner to that effect under section 20.3.

^note

Conciliation

20Recommendation — conciliation#

(1)At any time during the course of the investigation into a complaint the investigator may recommend to the Commissioner that a conciliator be appointed to attempt to bring about a settlement.

(2)The Commissioner may appoint a person as a conciliator for the purpose of attempting to bring about a settlement of the complaint.

(3)A person is not eligible to act as a conciliator in respect of a complaint if that person has already acted as an investigator in respect of that complaint.

(4)Any information received by a conciliator in the course of attempting to reach a settlement of a complaint is confidential and may not be disclosed except with the consent of the person who gave the information.

^note

20.1Who may settle — remedy#

(1)A settlement that relates to the remedy to be provided to the complainant must be agreed to by the complainant and the person with the authority to implement the remedy.

(2)A settlement that relates to the disciplinary action, if any, that is to be imposed on a person identified by the investigator as being the person or one of the persons who took the alleged reprisal must be agreed to by the person identified by the investigator and the person with the authority to take the disciplinary action.

^note

20.2Referral of a settlement to Commissioner#

(1)The terms of a settlement must be referred to the Commissioner for approval or rejection and the Commissioner must, without delay after approving or rejecting them, so certify and notify the parties to the settlement.

(2)If the Commissioner approves a settlement that relates to the remedy to be provided to the complainant, the complaint to which it relates is dismissed.

(3)If the Commissioner approves a settlement that relates to disciplinary action, if any, that is to be imposed on a person, the Commissioner may not apply to the Tribunal for an order referred to in paragraph 20.4(1)(b) in respect of the person.

(4)A settlement approved by the Commissioner may, for the purpose of enforcement, be made an order of the Federal Court on application to that Court by the Commissioner or a party to the settlement.

^note

Decision After Investigation

20.3Investigator’s report to Commissioner#

As soon as possible after the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator must submit a report of his or her findings to the Commissioner.^note

20.4Application to Tribunal#

(1)If, after receipt of the report, the Commissioner is of the opinion that an application to the Tribunal in relation to the complaint is warranted, the Commissioner may apply to the Tribunal for a determination of whether or not a reprisal was taken against the complainant and, if the Tribunal determines that a reprisal was taken, for

(a)an order respecting a remedy in favour of the complainant; or

(b)an order respecting a remedy in favour of the complainant and an order respecting disciplinary action against any person or persons identified by the Commissioner in the application as being the person or persons who took the reprisal.

(2)The order respecting disciplinary action referred in paragraph (1)(b) may not be applied for in relation to a complaint the filing of which is permitted by section 19.2.

(3)In considering whether making an application to the Tribunal is warranted, the Commissioner must take into account whether

(a)there are reasonable grounds for believing that a reprisal was taken against the complainant;

(b)the investigation into the complaint could not be completed because of lack of cooperation on the part of one or more chief executives or public servants;

(c)the complaint should be dismissed on any ground mentioned in paragraphs 19.3(1)(a) to (d); and

(d)having regard to all the circumstances relating to the complaint, it is in the public interest to make an application to the Tribunal.

^note

20.5Dismissal of complaint#

If, after receipt of the report, the Commissioner is of the opinion that an application to the Tribunal is not warranted in the circumstances, he or she must dismiss the complaint.^note

20.6Notice#

The Commissioner must notify in writing each of the following of his or her action under section 20.4 or 20.5:

(a)the complainant;

(b)if the complainant is a public servant, the complainant’s employer;

(c)if the complainant is a former public servant, the person or entity who was the complainant’s employer at the time the alleged reprisal was taken;

(d)the person or persons identified in the investigator’s report as being the person or persons who may have taken the alleged reprisal;

(e)the person or entity with the authority to take disciplinary action against any person referred to in paragraph (d); and

(f)every person, other than the complainant, or entity that was sent a notice under subsection 19.4(2) in respect of the complaint.

^note

Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal

Establishment

20.7Establishment#

(1)There is established a tribunal to be known as the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal consisting of a Chairperson and not less than two and not more than six other members to be appointed by the Governor in Council. All of the members must be judges of the Federal Court or a superior court of a province.

(2)Each member of the Tribunal is to be appointed for a term of not more than seven years and holds office so long as he or she remains a judge.

(3)A member of the Tribunal, on the expiration of a first or any subsequent term of office, is eligible to be re-appointed for a further term.

(4)Subject to subsection (5), in addition to the members appointed under subsection (1), any judge or former judge of the Federal Court of Canada or the Federal Court or of a superior or district court of a province may, on the request of the Chairperson of the Tribunal made with the approval of the Governor in Council, act as a temporary member of the Tribunal.

(5)Except in relation to a former judge, no request may be made under subsection (4)

(a)to a judge of the Federal Court without the consent of the Chief Justice of that Court or of the Attorney General of Canada; or

(b)to a judge of a superior court of a province without the consent of the chief justice or chief judge of that court or of the attorney general of the province.

(6)The Governor in Council may approve the making of requests under subsection (4) in general terms or for particular periods or purposes, and may limit the number of persons who may act as temporary members of the Tribunal.

(7)Each temporary member of the Tribunal who is a former judge is to be paid the remuneration determined by the Governor in Council.

(8)Each member of the Tribunal and each temporary member of the Tribunal is entitled to be paid the expenses fixed by the Governor in Council.

(9)A member of the Tribunal whose appointment expires may, with the approval of the Chairperson, conclude any hearing that the member has begun and he or she is deemed to be a temporary member of the Tribunal for the purpose.

^note

Administration

20.8 #

[Repealed, 2014, c. 20, s. 468] (repealed)

20.9Sittings#

The Tribunal may sit at the times and at the places throughout Canada that it considers necessary or desirable for the proper conduct of its business.^note

Proceedings

21Conduct of proceedings#

(1)Proceedings before the Tribunal are to be conducted as informally and expeditiously as the requirements of natural justice and the rules of procedure allow.

(2)The Chairperson of the Tribunal may make rules of procedure governing the practice and procedure before the Tribunal, including, but not limited to, rules governing

(a)the giving of notices to parties;

(b)the addition of parties and interested persons to the proceedings;

(c)the summoning of witnesses;

(d)the production and service of documents;

(e)discovery proceedings; and

(f)pre-hearing conferences.

(3)The Chairperson must consult with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police before making any rules and must ensure that the rules take that organization’s security and confidentiality needs into account.

(4)A copy of each rule that the Chairperson proposes to make must be published in the Canada Gazette, and a reasonable opportunity must be given to interested persons to make representations with respect to it.

(5)A proposed rule need not be published more than once, whether or not it has been amended as a result of any representations.

^note

Applications by Commissioner

21.1Assignment of member or members#

(1)On receipt of an application made by the Commissioner under subsection 20.4(1) the Chairperson of the Tribunal must assign a member of the Tribunal to deal with the application, but the Chairperson may assign a panel of three members if he or she considers that the complexity of the matter requires that it be dealt with by three members. Every decision of the member or panel is a decision of the Tribunal.

(2)If a panel of three members has been assigned, the Chairperson must designate one of them to chair the proceedings, but the Chairperson must chair the proceedings if he or she is a member of the panel.

^note

21.2Powers#

(1)The member or panel may

(a)in the same manner and to the same extent as a superior court of record, summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses and compel them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce any documents and things that the member or panel considers necessary for the full hearing and consideration of the application;

(b)administer oaths;

(c)subject to subsection (2), receive and accept any evidence and other information, whether on oath or by affidavit or otherwise, that the member or panel sees fit, whether or not that evidence or information is or would be admissible in a court of law;

(d)lengthen or shorten any time limit established by the rules of procedure; and

(e)decide any procedural or evidentiary question.

(2)A conciliator appointed to settle the complaint is not a competent or compellable witness at a hearing.

(3)Any person summoned to attend a hearing is entitled, at the discretion of the member or panel, to receive the same fees and allowances as those paid to persons summoned to attend before the Federal Court.

^note

21.3Hearing may be in camera#

A hearing before the Tribunal may be held in camera at the request of any party if the party establishes to the satisfaction of the Tribunal that the circumstances of the case so require.^note

21.4Determination — paragraph 20.4(1)(a)#

(1)On application made by the Commissioner for an order referred to in paragraph 20.4(1)(a) the Tribunal must determine whether the complainant has been subject to a reprisal and, if it so determines, the Tribunal may make an order granting a remedy to the complainant.

(2)The parties in respect of the application are the Commissioner and

(a)the complainant;

(b)if the complainant is a public servant, the complainant’s employer; and

(c)if the complainant is a former public servant, the person or entity who was the complainant’s employer at the time the alleged reprisal was taken.

(3)If the Tribunal is of the opinion that a person who has been identified as being a person who may have taken the alleged reprisal may be directly affected by a determination of the Tribunal, the Tribunal may add that person as a party.

^note

21.5Determination — paragraph 20.4(1)(b)#

(1)On application made by the Commissioner for the orders referred to in paragraph 20.4(1)(b) the Tribunal must determine whether the complainant has been subject to a reprisal and whether the person or persons identified by the Commissioner in the application as having taken the alleged reprisal actually took it. If it determines that a reprisal was taken, the Tribunal may, regardless of whether or not it has determined that the reprisal was taken by the person or persons named in the application, make an order granting a remedy to the complainant.

(2)The parties in respect of proceedings held for the purpose of subsection (1) are the Commissioner and

(a)the complainant;

(b)if the complainant is a public servant, the complainant’s employer;

(c)if the complainant is a former public servant, the person or entity who was the complainant’s employer at the time the alleged reprisal was taken; and

(d)the person or persons identified in the application as being the person or persons who may have taken the alleged reprisal.

(3)The Tribunal must issue written reasons for its decisions under subsection (1) as soon as possible.

(4)After issuing the reasons under subsection (3), the Tribunal may make an order respecting the disciplinary action to be taken against any person who was determined by it to have taken the reprisal.

(5)The parties in respect of proceedings held for the purpose of subsection (4) are the Commissioner, the person against whom the disciplinary action would be taken and, for the purpose of making submissions regarding disciplinary action on behalf of the person or entity who would be required to implement the order if it were made, any person designated by the Tribunal.

^note

21.6Rights of parties#

(1)Every party must be given a full and ample opportunity to participate at any proceedings before the Tribunal — including, but not limited to, by appearing at any hearing, by presenting evidence and by making representations — and to be assisted or represented by counsel, or by any person, for that purpose.

(2)The Commissioner must, in proceedings before the Tribunal, adopt the position that, in his or her opinion, is in the public interest having regard to the nature of the complaint.

(3)With respect to the portions of proceedings that relate solely to the remedy, if any, to be ordered in favour of the complainant, the Tribunal may, despite subsection (1), limit the participation of any person or persons identified as being the person or persons who may have taken the alleged reprisal.

^note

21.7Remedies#

(1)To provide an appropriate remedy to the complainant, the Tribunal may, by order, require the employer or the appropriate chief executive, or any person acting on their behalf, to take all necessary measures to

(a)permit the complainant to return to his or her duties;

(b)reinstate the complainant or pay compensation to the complainant in lieu of reinstatement if, in the Tribunal’s opinion, the relationship of trust between the parties cannot be restored;

(c)pay to the complainant compensation in an amount not greater than the amount that, in the Tribunal’s opinion, is equivalent to the remuneration that would, but for the reprisal, have been paid to the complainant;

(d)rescind any measure or action, including any disciplinary action, and pay compensation to the complainant in an amount not greater than the amount that, in the Tribunal’s opinion, is equivalent to any financial or other penalty imposed on the complainant;

(e)pay to the complainant an amount equal to any expenses and any other financial losses incurred by the complainant as a direct result of the reprisal; or

(f)compensate the complainant, by an amount of not more than $10,000, for any pain and suffering that the complainant experienced as a result of the reprisal.

(2)The Tribunal may make an order under subsection (1) in relation to a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police despite subsections 32(1) and 45.16(9) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

^note

21.8Disciplinary action#

(1)The Tribunal may, by order, require the Governor in Council, the employer or the appropriate chief executive, or any person acting on their behalf, to take all necessary measures to take the disciplinary action, including termination of employment or revocation of appointment, specified by the Tribunal against any person named in the application who was determined by it to have taken the reprisal.

(2)In making the order the Tribunal must take into account the factors ordinarily considered by employers when they discipline their employees, including, but not limited to,

(a)the gravity of the reprisal;

(b)the level of responsibility inherent in the position that the person occupies;

(c)the person’s previous employment record;

(d)whether the reprisal was an isolated incident;

(e)the person’s rehabilitative potential; and

(f)the deterrent effect of the disciplinary action.

(3)In making the order the Tribunal must also take into account

(a)the extent to which the nature of the reprisal discourages the disclosure of wrongdoing under this Act; and

(b)the extent to which inadequate disciplinary action in relation to the reprisal would have an adverse effect on confidence in public institutions.

(4)The person against whom disciplinary action is taken as a result of an order made under subsection (1) may not initiate a grievance or other similar procedure under an Act of Parliament or a collective agreement in respect of the disciplinary action.

(5)The disciplinary action that the Tribunal may order with respect to a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is limited to a conduct measure established under paragraph 39.1(a), or a conduct measure referred to in paragraph 45(4)(a) or (b), of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, or any combination of them.

(6)The Tribunal may make an order under subsection (1) in relation to a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police despite subsections 32(1) and 45.16(9) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

(7)An order made under subsection (1) in relation to a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police may be implemented by the Governor in Council or Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police despite Part IV of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

^note

21.9Filing of orders in Federal Court#

(1)The Commissioner must, on the request in writing of any person or employer affected by any order of the Tribunal, file a certified copy of the order, exclusive of the reasons for the order, in the Federal Court, unless, in his or her opinion,

(a)there is no indication of failure or likelihood of failure to comply with the order; or

(b)there is other good reason why the filing of the order in the Federal Court would serve no useful purpose.

(2)An order of the Tribunal becomes an order of the Federal Court when a certified copy of the order is filed in that court, and it may subsequently be enforced as such.

^note

Duties of the Commissioner

22Duties#

The duties of the Commissioner under this Act are to

(a)provide information and advice regarding the making of disclosures under this Act and the conduct of investigations by the Commissioner;

(b)receive, record and review disclosures of wrongdoings in order to establish whether there are sufficient grounds for further action;

(c)conduct investigations of disclosures made in accordance with section 13, and investigations referred to in section 33, including to appoint persons to conduct the investigations on his or her behalf;

(d)ensure that the right to procedural fairness and natural justice of all persons involved in investigations is respected, including persons making disclosures, witnesses and persons alleged to be responsible for wrongdoings;

(e)subject to any other Act of Parliament, protect, to the extent possible in accordance with the law, the identity of persons involved in the disclosure process, including that of persons making disclosures, witnesses and persons alleged to be responsible for wrongdoings;

(f)establish procedures for processing disclosures and ensure the confidentiality of information collected in relation to disclosures and investigations;

(g)review the results of investigations into disclosures and those commenced under section 33 and report his or her findings to the persons who made the disclosures and to the appropriate chief executives;

(h)make recommendations to chief executives concerning the measures to be taken to correct wrongdoings and review reports on measures taken by chief executives in response to those recommendations; and

(i)receive, review, investigate and otherwise deal with complaints made in respect of reprisals.

^note

23Restriction — general#

(1)The Commissioner may not deal with a disclosure under this Act or commence an investigation under section 33 if a person or body acting under another Act of Parliament is dealing with the subject-matter of the disclosure or the investigation other than as a law enforcement authority.

(2)For the purpose of subsection (1),

(a)the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or his or her delegate, is not acting as a law enforcement authority when taking any action under section 20.2 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act; and

(b)a person or body dealing with a matter in the course of an investigation or proceeding under Part IV of that Act is not dealing with the matter as a law enforcement authority.

^note

24Right to refuse#

(1)The Commissioner may refuse to deal with a disclosure or to commence an investigation — and he or she may cease an investigation — if he or she is of the opinion that

(a)the subject-matter of the disclosure or the investigation has been adequately dealt with, or could more appropriately be dealt with, according to a procedure provided for under another Act of Parliament;

(b)the subject-matter of the disclosure or the investigation is not sufficiently important;

(c)the disclosure was not made in good faith or the information that led to the investigation under section 33 was not provided in good faith;

(d)the length of time that has elapsed since the date when the subject-matter of the disclosure or the investigation arose is such that dealing with it would serve no useful purpose;

(e)the subject-matter of the disclosure or the investigation relates to a matter that results from a balanced and informed decision-making process on a public policy issue; or

(f)there is a valid reason for not dealing with the subject-matter of the disclosure or the investigation.

(2)The Commissioner must refuse to deal with a disclosure or to commence an investigation if he or she is of the opinion that the subject matter of the disclosure or the investigation relates solely to a decision that was made in the exercise of an adjudicative function under an Act of Parliament, including a decision of the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police under Part IV of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

(2.1)The Commissioner must refuse to deal with a disclosure or to commence an investigation if he or she is of the opinion that the subject-matter of the disclosure or the investigation is within the jurisdiction of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner under the Conflict of Interest Act and must refer the matter to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.

(3)If the Commissioner refuses to deal with a disclosure or to commence an investigation, he or she must inform the person who made the disclosure, or who provided the information referred to in section 33, as the case may be, and give reasons why he or she did so.

^note

25Delegation#

(1)The Commissioner may delegate to any employee in the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner any of his or her powers and duties under this Act, except

(a)the power to delegate under this section;

(b)the power to decide not to deal with a complaint filed under subsection 19.1(1);

(c)the power in section 20.2 to approve or reject a settlement;

(d)the power in section 20.4 to apply to the Tribunal;

(e)the power in section 20.5 to dismiss a complaint;

(f)the duties in paragraphs 22(g) and (h) to review the result of investigations, to report findings and to make recommendations;

(g)the power in section 24 to refuse to deal with a disclosure or to commence an investigation, the power in that section to cease an investigation and the duty in that section to provide reasons;

(h)the power to issue, in the exercise of any powers referred to in subsection 29(1), a subpoena or other request or summons to appear before the Commissioner or a person appointed to conduct an investigation;

(i)the power in section 33 to commence an investigation;

(j)the power in section 34 to refer a matter to another authority;

(k)the power in subsection 35(1) to remit information;

(l)the power to request that a chief executive provide notice as referred to in section 36; and

(m)the power in section 37 and the power and duties in section 38 to make a report.

(2)The Commissioner may not delegate the conduct of an investigation that involves or may involve information relating to international relations, national defence, national security or the detection, prevention or suppression of criminal, subversive or hostile activities, except to one of a maximum of four officers or employees of the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner specifically designated by the Commissioner for the purpose of conducting those investigations.

25.1Access to legal advice#

(1)The Commissioner may provide access to legal advice to

(a)any public servant who is considering making a disclosure of wrongdoing under this Act;

(b)any person who is not a public servant who is considering providing information to the Commissioner in relation to any act or omission that may constitute a wrongdoing under this Act;

(c)any public servant who has made a disclosure under this Act;

(d)any person who is or has been involved in any investigation conducted by a senior officer or by or on behalf of the Commissioner under this Act;

(e)any public servant who is considering making a complaint under this Act regarding an alleged reprisal taken against him or her; or

(f)any person who is or has been involved in a proceeding under this Act regarding an alleged reprisal.

(2)The Commissioner may provide the access to legal advice only if the public servant or person satisfies the Commissioner that they do not have other access to legal advice at no cost to them.

(3)In addition to the condition referred to in subsection (2), the Commissioner may provide access to legal advice to a public servant referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or a person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) only if the Commissioner is of the opinion that the act or omission to which the disclosure or the information relates, as the case may be, likely constitutes a wrongdoing under this Act and that the disclosure or the provision of the information is likely to lead to an investigation being conducted under this Act.

(4)The maximum amount that may be paid by the Commissioner under this section for legal advice provided or to be provided to any particular public servant or person in relation to any particular act or omission that may constitute a wrongdoing or reprisal is $1,500.

(5)If, for the purpose of this section, the Commissioner chooses to provide access to legal advice to any particular public servant or person in relation to a particular act or omission that may constitute a wrongdoing or reprisal through legal counsel employed in his or her office, the monetary value of the time spent by them in providing the legal advice may not be more than $1,500.

(6)If the Commissioner is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances, the maximum amount provided for in subsections (4) and (5) is deemed to be $3,000.

(7)In determining the amount to be paid for legal advice, or the monetary value of the time to be spent providing it, as the case may be, the Commissioner must take into account

(a)the degree to which the public interest may be affected by the subject-matter of the disclosure or the information provided; and

(b)the degree to which the public servant or person seeking the legal advice may be adversely affected as a result of his or her involvement in making the disclosure, providing the information, making the complaint or participating in the investigation or the proceeding, as the case may be.

(8)For the purpose of providing access to legal advice under this section, the Commissioner may make grants or contributions in accordance with terms and conditions approved by the Treasury Board.

(9)The relationship between the public servant or person to whom access to legal advice is provided under this section and the legal counsel providing the advice is that of solicitor and client.

^note

Investigations

26Purpose of investigations#

(1)Investigations into disclosures and investigations commenced under section 33 are for the purpose of bringing the existence of wrongdoings to the attention of chief executives and making recommendations concerning corrective measures to be taken by them.

(2)The investigations are to be conducted as informally and expeditiously as possible.

^note

27Notice to chief executive#

(1)When commencing an investigation, the Commissioner must notify the chief executive concerned and inform that chief executive of the substance of the disclosure to which the investigation relates.

(2)The Commissioner, or the person conducting an investigation, may also notify any other person he or she considers appropriate, including every person whose acts or conduct are called into question by the disclosure to which the investigation relates, and inform that person of the substance of the disclosure.

(3)It is not necessary for the Commissioner to hold any hearing and no person is entitled as of right to be heard by the Commissioner, but if at any time during the course of an investigation it appears to the Commissioner that there may be sufficient grounds to make a report or recommendation that may adversely affect any individual or any portion of the public sector, the Commissioner must, before completing the investigation, take every reasonable measure to give to that individual or the chief executive responsible for that portion of the public sector a full and ample opportunity to answer any allegation, and to be assisted or represented by counsel, or by any person, for that purpose.

^note

28Access#

(1)If the Commissioner so requests for the purposes of an investigation, chief executives and public servants must provide him or her, or the person conducting the investigation, with any facilities, assistance, information and access to their respective offices that the Commissioner may require.

(2)Subsection (1) applies despite any restriction created by or under any other Act of Parliament on the disclosure of information.

^note

29Powers#

(1)In conducting an investigation, the Commissioner has all the powers of a commissioner under Part II of the Inquiries Act.

(2)Whenever the Commissioner issues a subpoena or other request or summons to a person in the exercise of any powers referred to in subsection (1), he or she must allow that person to be assisted or represented by counsel, or by any person.

(3)Before entering the premises of any portion of the public sector in the exercise of any powers under subsection (1), the Commissioner must notify the chief executive of that portion of the public sector.

^note

30Exception#

(1)Sections 28 and 29 do not apply in respect of a confidence of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada in respect of which subsection 39(1) of the Canada Evidence Act applies or information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The Commissioner may not use the confidence or information if it is nevertheless received under section 28 or 29.

(2)Nothing in this Act is to be construed as limiting the application of the Canada Evidence Act to investigations conducted by the Commissioner.

31Canadian Broadcasting Corporation#

With respect to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, in making a request referred to in section 28 or in exercising the powers in section 29, the Commissioner must consider whether doing so will unduly disrupt the gathering and dissemination of news and information by the Corporation.

32Self-incrimination#

No public servant shall be excused from cooperating with the Commissioner, or with a person conducting an investigation, on the grounds that any information given by the public servant may tend to incriminate the public servant or subject him or her to any proceeding or penalty, but the information, or any evidence derived from it, may not be used or received to incriminate the public servant in any criminal proceeding against him or her, other than a prosecution under section 132 or 136 of the Criminal Code.

33Power to investigate other wrongdoings#

(1)If, during the course of an investigation or as a result of any information provided to the Commissioner by a person who is not a public servant, the Commissioner has reason to believe that another wrongdoing, or a wrongdoing, as the case may be, has been committed, he or she may, subject to sections 23 and 24, commence an investigation into the wrongdoing if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that the public interest requires an investigation. The provisions of this Act applicable to investigations commenced as the result of a disclosure apply to investigations commenced under this section.

(2)The Commissioner may not, in the course of an investigation commenced under subsection (1), use a confidence of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada in respect of which subsection 39(1) of the Canada Evidence Act applies, or information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, if the confidence or information is disclosed to the Commissioner.

34Information outside public sector#

If the Commissioner is of the opinion that a matter under investigation would involve obtaining information that is outside the public sector, he or she must cease that part of the investigation and he or she may refer the matter to any authority that he or she considers competent to deal with it.

35Remittal of information#

(1)If the Commissioner has reasonable grounds to suspect that information obtained in the course of an investigation may be used in the investigation or prosecution of an alleged contravention of any Act of Parliament or of the legislature of a province, he or she may, in addition to or in lieu of continuing the investigation, remit the information, at that point in time, to a peace officer having jurisdiction to investigate the alleged contravention or to the Attorney General of Canada.

(1.1)If the information relates to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Commissioner may remit the information only to the Attorney General of Canada.

(2)To maintain the separation of investigations carried out under this Act and those carried out for law enforcement purposes, after information has been remitted under subsection (1) in relation to any matter, the Commissioner may not — except in accordance with a prior judicial authorization — remit to any peace officer or to the Attorney General of Canada any further information in relation to that matter that the Commissioner obtains in the course of his or her investigation into that matter and in respect of which there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Reports

36Request for notice of action#

In making a report to a chief executive in respect of an investigation, the Commissioner may, if he or she considers it appropriate to do so, request that the chief executive provide the Commissioner, within a time specified in the report, with notice of any action taken or proposed to be taken to implement the recommendations contained in the report or reasons why no such action has been or is proposed to be taken.^note

37Report to appropriate Minister or governing council#

If the Commissioner considers it necessary, he or she may report any matter that arises out of an investigation to the Minister responsible for the portion of the public sector concerned or, if the matter relates to a Crown corporation, to its board or governing council, including, but not limited to, when the Commissioner is of the opinion that

(a)action has not been taken within a reasonable time in respect of one of his or her recommendations; and

(b)a situation that has come to his or her attention in the course of carrying out his or her duties exists that constitutes an imminent risk of a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment.

^note

38Annual report#

(1)Within three months after the end of each financial year, the Commissioner must prepare an annual report in respect of the activities of the Commissioner during that financial year.

(2)The annual report must set out

(a)the number of general inquiries relating to this Act;

(b)the number of disclosures received and complaints made in relation to reprisals, and the number of them that were acted on and those that were not acted on;

(c)the number of investigations commenced under this Act;

(d)the number of recommendations that the Commissioner has made and their status;

(d.1)in relation to complaints made in relation to reprisals, the number of settlements, applications to the Tribunal and decisions to dismiss them;

(e)whether there are any systemic problems that give rise to wrongdoings;

(f)any recommendations for improvement that the Commissioner considers appropriate; and

(g)any other matter that the Commissioner considers necessary.

(3)The Commissioner may, at any time, prepare a special report referring to and commenting on any matter within the scope of his or her powers and duties under this Act if, in his or her opinion, the matter is of such urgency or importance that a report on it should not be deferred until the time provided for the submission of the annual report.

(3.1)If the Commissioner makes a report to a chief executive in respect of an investigation into a disclosure or an investigation commenced under section 33 and there is a finding of wrongdoing in the report, the Commissioner must, within 60 days after making the report, prepare a case report setting out

(a)the finding of wrongdoing;

(b)the recommendations, if any, set out in the report made to the chief executive;

(c)the time, if any, that was specified in the report to the chief executive for the chief executive to provide the notice referred to in section 36;

(d)the Commissioner’s opinion as to whether the chief executive’s response to the report to the chief executive, up to that point in time, is satisfactory; and

(e)the chief executive’s written comments, if any.

(3.2)Before making a case report, the Commissioner must provide the chief executive with a reasonable opportunity to make written comments.

(3.3)Within the period referred to in subsection (1) for the annual report and the period referred to in subsection (3.1) for a case report, and at any time for a special report, the Commissioner shall submit the report to the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons, who shall each table the report in the House over which he or she presides forthwith after receiving it or, if that House is not then sitting, on any of the first fifteen days on which that House is sitting after the Speaker receives it.

(4)After it is tabled, every report the Commissioner stands referred to the committee of the Senate, the House of Commons or both Houses of Parliament that may be designated or established for the purpose of reviewing the Commissioner’s reports.

(5)[Repealed, 2006, c. 9, s. 210] (repealed)

38.1Report — disclosures under section 12#

(1)Within 60 days after the end of each financial year, each chief executive must prepare and submit to the Chief Human Resources Officer appointed under subsection 6(2.1) of the Financial Administration Act a report for that financial year on the activities, in the portion of the public sector for which the chief executive is responsible, respecting disclosures made under section 12.

(2)Within six months after the end of each financial year, the Chief Human Resources Officer must prepare and submit to the President of the Treasury Board a report for that financial year that provides an overview of the activities, throughout the public sector, respecting disclosures made under section 12.

(3)The report under subsection (2) must set out

(a)the number of general inquiries relating to this Act;

(b)the number of disclosures received, the number of those that were acted on and the number of those that were not acted on;

(c)the number of investigations commenced as a result of disclosures made under section 12;

(d)whether there are any systemic problems that give rise to wrongdoings; and

(e)any other matter that the Chief Human Resources Officer considers necessary.

(4)The President of the Treasury Board must cause the report to be laid before each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the President of the Treasury Board receives the report.

^note

Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner

Public Sector Integrity Commissioner

39Appointment#

(1)The Governor in Council shall, by commission under the Great Seal, appoint a Public Sector Integrity Commissioner after consultation with the Leader of the Government in the Senate or Government Representative in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, the Leader or Facilitator of every other recognized party or parliamentary group in the Senate and the leader of every recognized party in the House of Commons and approval of the appointment by resolution of the Senate and House of Commons.

(2)Subject to this section, the Commissioner holds office during good behaviour for a term of seven years, but may be removed for cause by the Governor in Council at any time on address of the Senate and House of Commons.

(3)The Commissioner is eligible to be re-appointed for a further term of not more than seven years.

(4)In the event of the absence or incapacity of the Commissioner, or if that office is vacant, the Governor in Council may appoint any qualified person to hold that office in the interim for a term not exceeding six months, and that person shall, while holding office, be paid the salary or other remuneration and expenses that may be fixed by the Governor in Council.

^note

39.1Rank and powers#

(1)The Commissioner has the rank, and all the powers, of a deputy head of a department.

(2)The Commissioner shall not hold any other office or employment in the public sector or carry on any activity that is inconsistent with his or her powers and duties.

39.2Remuneration#

(1)The Commissioner is to be paid the remuneration determined by the Governor in Council.

(2)The Commissioner is entitled to be paid reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the course of his or her duties while absent from his or her ordinary place of work if he or she has been appointed to serve on a full-time basis or his or her ordinary place of residence if he or she has been appointed to serve on a part-time basis.

(3)The Commissioner is deemed to be employed in the public service for the purposes of the Public Service Superannuation Act.

(4)The Commissioner is deemed to be employed in the federal public administration for the purposes of the Government Employees Compensation Act and regulations made under section 9 of the Aeronautics Act.

Staff

39.3Staff#

(1)The Deputy Commissioner and the officers and employees that are necessary to enable the Commissioner to perform his or her duties and functions are to be appointed in accordance with the Public Service Employment Act.

(1.1)The Deputy Commissioner exercises any of the powers and performs any of the duties and functions that the Commissioner may assign.

(1.2)The assignment of powers, duties and functions by the Commissioner to the Deputy Commissioner may include the delegation to the Deputy Commissioner of any of the Commissioner’s powers, duties and functions, including those referred to in paragraphs 25(1)(a) to (k) and the powers in sections 36 and 37, but it may not include the delegation of the Commissioner’s power or any of his or her duties in section 38.

(2)The Commissioner may engage on a temporary basis the services of persons having technical or specialized knowledge of any matter relating to the Commissioner’s work to advise and assist the Commissioner in the performance of his or her duties and functions and, with the approval of the Treasury Board, may fix and pay the remuneration and expenses of those persons.

^note

Prohibitions

General Prohibitions

40False statements#

No person shall, in a disclosure of a wrongdoing or in the course of any investigation under this Act, knowingly make a false or misleading statement, either orally or in writing, to a supervisor, a senior officer, the Commissioner or a person acting on behalf of or under the direction of any of them.^note

41Obstruction#

No person shall wilfully obstruct a senior officer or the Commissioner, or any person acting on behalf of or under the direction of a senior officer or the Commissioner, in the performance of the senior officer’s, or the Commissioner’s, as the case may be, duties under this Act.

42Destroying documents and things, etc.#

No person knowing that a document or thing is likely to be relevant to an investigation under this Act shall

(a)destroy, mutilate or alter the document or thing;

(b)falsify the document or make a false document;

(c)conceal the document or thing; or

(d)direct, counsel or cause, in any manner, any person to do anything mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (c), or propose, in any manner, to any person that they do anything mentioned in any of those paragraphs.

Employers

42.1Prohibition — employer#

(1)No employer shall take any of the following measures against an employee by reason only that the employee has, in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, provided information concerning an alleged wrongdoing in the public sector to the Commissioner or, if the alleged wrongdoing relates to the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, to the Auditor General of Canada — or by reason only that the employer believes that the employee will do so:

(a)take a disciplinary measure against the employee;

(b)demote the employee;

(c)terminate the employment of the employee;

(d)take any measure that adversely affects the employment or working conditions of the employee; or

(e)threaten to take any measure referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).

(2)Nothing in subsection (1) impairs any right of an employee either at law or under an employment contract or collective agreement.

(3)For the purpose of subsection (1), employer does not include an employer in the public sector.

^note

Contracts

42.2Prohibition — termination of contract or withholding of payments#

(1)A public servant or any person purporting to act on behalf of Her Majesty in right of Canada or a portion of the public sector shall not terminate any contract with Her Majesty in right of Canada or any portion of the public sector, or withhold any payment that is due and payable in respect of any such contract, by reason only that the other party to the contract or any of that other party’s employees has, in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, provided information concerning an alleged wrongdoing in the public sector to the Commissioner or, if the alleged wrongdoing relates to the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, to the Auditor General of Canada.

(2)A public servant or any person purporting to act on behalf of Her Majesty in right of Canada or a portion of the public sector shall not, in considering whether to enter into a contract with a person, take into account that the person or any of the person’s employees has, in the past, in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, provided information concerning an alleged wrongdoing in the public sector to the Commissioner or, if the alleged wrongdoing relates to the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, to the Auditor General of Canada.

(3)In this section, contract includes, but is not limited to, an agreement for the supply of goods or the provision of services, an agreement relating to real property or immoveables, a loan, a grant and a contribution, but does not include an agreement by a public servant, or by a person appointed by the Governor in Council or by a minister of the Crown, to perform the duties to which their employment or appointment relates.

^note

Offence

42.3Offence and punishment#

Every person who knowingly contravenes section 19 or contravenes any of sections 40 to 42.2 commits an offence and is guilty of

(a)an indictable offence and liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both that fine and that imprisonment; or

(b)an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine of not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both that fine and that imprisonment.

^note

Confidentiality

43Security requirements#

The Commissioner and every person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the Commissioner who receives or obtains information relating to an alleged wrongdoing must, with respect to access to and the use of that information, satisfy any security requirements applicable to persons who normally have access to and use of that information and take any oath of secrecy required to be taken by them.

44Confidentiality#

Unless the disclosure is required by law or permitted by this Act, the Commissioner and every person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the Commissioner shall not disclose any information that comes to their knowledge in the performance of their duties under this Act.

44.1Canada Evidence Act#

Nothing in this Act is to be construed as limiting the application of the Canada Evidence Act to any disclosure, or proposed disclosure, of information under this Act by the Commissioner or any person acting on behalf of or under his or her direction.

Protection

45Protection#

No criminal or civil proceedings lie against the Commissioner, or against any person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the Commissioner, for anything done or omitted to be done, or reported or said, in good faith in the course of the exercise or performance, or purported exercise or performance, of any power or duty of the Commissioner under this Act.

46Not compellable witness#

(1)The Commissioner or any person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the Commissioner is not a competent or compellable witness in any proceedings, other than a prosecution for an offence under this Act, in respect of any matter coming to the knowledge of the Commissioner, or that person, as a result of performing any duties under this Act.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to

(a)the Commissioner or any person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the Commissioner, with respect to the Commissioner’s participation in any proceedings before the Tribunal; or

(b)a person designated as an investigator under section 19.7 with regard to his or her participation in the investigation for which he or she was so designated.

^note

47Libel or slander#

For the purposes of any law relating to libel or slander,

(a)anything said, any information supplied or any document or thing produced in the course of an investigation under this Act by or on behalf of the Commissioner is privileged if it was said, supplied or produced in good faith; and

(b)any report under this Act made in good faith by the Commissioner is privileged, and any fair and accurate account of the report made in good faith in a newspaper or any other periodical publication or in a broadcast is privileged.

General

48Disclosure not waiver#

The disclosure of information to the Commissioner under this Act does not, by itself, constitute a waiver of any privilege that may exist with respect to the information.

49Restriction#

(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), when referring any matter under section 34 or making a report under section 38, the Commissioner shall not disclose any information that the Government of Canada or any portion of the public sector is taking measures to protect, including, but not limited to, information that

(a)is a confidence of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada in respect of which subsection 39(1) of the Canada Evidence Act applies;

(b)is subject to solicitor-client privilege;

(c)is special operational information within the meaning of subsection 8(1) of the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act;

(d)is subject to any restriction on disclosure created by or under any other Act of Parliament;

(e)could reasonably be expected to cause injury to international relations, national defence or national security, or to the detection, prevention or suppression of criminal, subversive or hostile activities;

(f)could reasonably be expected to cause injury to the privacy interests of an individual; or

(g)could reasonably be expected to cause injury to commercial interests.

(2)The Commissioner may disclose any information referred to in subsection (1) if it has already been disclosed following a request under the Access to Information Act or with the consent of the relevant individual or an authorized person in the organization that has a primary interest in the information.

(3)The Commissioner may disclose any information referred to in subsection (1) if, in his or her opinion,

(a)the disclosure is necessary to refer any matter under section 34 or to establish the grounds for any finding or recommendation in a report under section 38; and

(b)the public interest in making the disclosure clearly outweighs the potential harm from the disclosure.

(4)Before disclosing any information as permitted by subsection (3), the Commissioner must

(a)comply with subsection 38.02(1.1) of the Canada Evidence Act; and

(b)except for information that only affects the privacy interests of an individual, consult with the organization that has a primary interest in the information.

^note

50Personal information#

Despite section 5 of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, to the extent that that section relates to obligations set out in Schedule 1 to that Act relating to the disclosure of information, and despite any other Act of Parliament that restricts the disclosure of information, a report by a chief executive in response to recommendations made by the Commissioner to the chief executive under this Act may include personal information within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of that Act, or section 3 of the Privacy Act, depending on which of those Acts applies to the portion of the public sector for which the chief executive is responsible.

51Saving#

Subject to subsections 19.1(4) and 21.8(4), nothing in this Act is to be construed as prohibiting

(a)the presentation of an individual grievance under subsection 208(1) or section 238.24 of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act; or

(b)the Canada Industrial Relations Board from considering a complaint under section 242 of the Canada Labour Code.

^note

51.1Power to temporarily assign other duties#

(1)A chief executive may temporarily assign other duties to a public servant who is involved in a disclosure or a complaint in respect of a reprisal if the chief executive believes on reasonable grounds that the public servant’s involvement has become known in the public servant’s workplace or that the temporary assignment is necessary to maintain the effective operation of the workplace.

(2)For the purposes of this section, the public servants involved in a disclosure or a complaint in respect of a reprisal are

(a)the public servant who made the disclosure and every public servant who is the subject of the disclosure;

(b)the public servant who filed the complaint and every public servant who is alleged to have taken the reprisal to which the complaint relates; and

(c)every public servant who is a witness or potential witness in the investigation, if any, relating to the disclosure or in any proceeding dealing with the complaint.

(3)The assignment may be for a period of up to three months, but the chief executive may renew the assignment one or more times if he or she believes that the conditions giving rise to it continue to exist on the expiry of a previous period.

(4)Subject to subsection (7), the duties that may be assigned must be in the same portion of the public sector in which the public servant is employed and must be comparable to the public servant’s normal duties.

(5)Subsection (1) applies to a public servant, other than a public servant who is the subject of the disclosure or who is alleged to have taken the reprisal, as the case may be, only if the public servant consents in writing to the assignment. The assignment is deemed not to be a reprisal if the public servant’s consent is given.

(6)The assignment of other duties to a public servant who is the subject of the disclosure or who is alleged to have taken the reprisal, as the case may be, is deemed not to be a disciplinary action.

(7)A public servant may be temporarily assigned duties in another portion of the public sector if both the chief executive of that other portion and the public servant consent to the assignment and the duties are comparable to the public servant’s normal duties. The assignment is deemed not to be a reprisal or a disciplinary action if the public servant’s consent is given.

^note

51.2Judicial review#

(1)For the purposes of section 18.1 of the Federal Courts Act,

(a)a public servant who has made a disclosure to the Commissioner under section 13 is deemed to be directly affected by any report made by the Commissioner in relation to the disclosure;

(b)a public servant or former public servant who files a complaint under subsection 19.1(1) is deemed to be directly affected by a decision of the Commissioner to refuse to deal with or to dismiss the complaint; and

(c)a party to a proceeding before the Tribunal is deemed to be directly affected by a decision of the Tribunal in relation to that proceeding.

(2)Nothing in this Act affects any right of action that a public servant may otherwise have in relation to any act or omission giving rise to a dispute that does not relate to his or her terms or conditions of employment.

^note

51.3Authority to act for Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police#

The Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police may authorize a Deputy or Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to exercise the powers or perform the duties and functions of the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as a chief executive in respect of section 11, subsection 19.4(2), paragraph 19.6(1)(b), subsections 19.8(1) and 19.9(1), paragraphs 22(g) and (h), subsections 26(1), 27(1) and (3), 28(1) and 29(3) and sections 36 and 50.^note

Excluded Organizations

52Obligation of excluded organizations#

As soon as possible after the coming into force of this section, the person responsible for each organization that is excluded from the definition of public sector in section 2 must establish procedures, applicable to that organization, for the disclosure of wrongdoings, including the protection of persons who disclose the wrongdoings. Those procedures must, in the opinion of the Treasury Board, be similar to those set out in this Act.

53Order to make provisions of Act applicable#

The Governor in Council may, by order, direct that any provision of this Act applies, with any modifications that may be specified in the order, in respect of any organization that is excluded from the definition of public sector in section 2.

Five-year Review

54Review#

Five years after this section comes into force, the President of the Treasury Board must cause to be conducted an independent review of this Act, and its administration and operation, and must cause a report on the review to be laid before each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the review is completed.^note

Transitional

54.1 #

[Repealed, 2010, c. 12, s. 1681] (repealed)

54.2 #

[Repealed, 2010, c. 12, s. 1681] (repealed)

54.3Continuation#

Disclosures under the Treasury Board Policy on the Internal Disclosure of Information Concerning Wrongdoing in the Workplace that are being dealt with on the coming into force of this section are to be continued as though they had been made under this Act.

Consequential Amendments

Access to Information Act

55 #

[Amendment]

55.1 #

[Amendment]

Canada Evidence Act

56 #

[Amendment]

Federal Courts Act

56.1 #

[Amendment]

Financial Administration Act

56.2 #

[Amendment]

56.3 #

[Amendment]

56.4 #

[Amendment]

Official Languages Act

56.5 #

[Amendment]

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

57 #

[Amendment]

Privacy Act

58 #

[Amendment]

58.1 #

[Amendment]

Coordinating Amendments

59 #

(1)[Repealed, 2006, c. 9, s. 225] (repealed)

(2) and (3)[Amendments]

^note

Coming into Force

60Order in council#

*(1)Subject to subsection (2), the provisions of this Act, other than section 59, come into force on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.

*(2)The reference to the “Canada Pension Plan Investment Board” in Schedule 1 comes into force, in accordance with subsection 114(4) of the Canada Pension Plan, on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council .

Schedule 1 · (Section 2 and paragraph 3(a))

Schedule 2 · (Paragraph 3(b) and section 14.1)

Schedule 3 · (Paragraph 3(c) and section 15)

Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, section 18DNA Identification Act, section 6.6Sex Offender Information Registration Act, section 16Witness Protection Program Act, section 11Youth Criminal Justice Act, section 129

Related provisions

— 2006, c. 9, par. 120(e)A person who holds office under one of the following provisions immediately before the day on which this section comes into force continues in office and is deemed to have been appointed under that provision, as amended by sections 109 to 111, 118 and 119, to hold office for the remainder of the term for which he or she had been appointed:the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner under section 39 of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.

Federal laws of Canada reproduced under the Reproduction of Federal Law Order (SI/97-5); not the official version. Source: Justice Laws Website.