News Release: Proclamation of the Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act

Mon, Jun 15, 2015

Today the Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act (PIDWA) was brought into force and the Office of the Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner is open and ready to perform its responsibilities under the PIDWA.

Employees of public entities can now disclose wrongdoings that are in the public interest without fear of reprisal.  Employees have options about who they can disclose to including a supervisor, a designated officer in their public entity, or the Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner.

Along with the Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner’s authority to investigate wrongdoing disclosures and reprisals, she can provide confidential advice to employees who are considering making a wrongdoing disclosure. 

The Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner had this message for employees about making a wrongdoing disclosure under the PIDWA:

Before employees of public entities make a disclosure, it is very important they learn about the requirements of the PIDWA to ensure they will be protected against reprisal.  Failing to follow the rules of the PIDWA when making a disclosure may result in no reprisal protection. 

However, employees should not shy away from making disclosures under the PIDWA.  So long as the rules about disclosure are followed, there are strong protections built into the PIDWA to protect employees against reprisal, including the ability for an arbitrator to make binding orders to public entities to remedy a reprisal.  The PIDWA also makes it an offence to commit a reprisal.

The Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner encourages employees to contact her office for advice prior to making a disclosure.

Resources about the PIDWA, including brochures, FAQs and information about the role of the Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner can be found on the Office of the Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner’s website at yukonpidc.ca. 

The Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner is planning outreach to Yukon public servants about the role of her office in the fall. 

Enquiries regarding the PIDWA can be directed to:

The Office of the Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner
Suite 201, 211 Hawkins Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 1X3
Phone: 867-667-8468   Toll-free phone: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 8468