Policy Submissions

Bill C-290: The Public Sector Integrity Act, passed unanimously by the House of Commons, would make badly needed amendments to Canada’s deeply flawed whistleblower protection legislation, the Public Sector Disclosures Protection Act (PSDPA). In its submissions, CFE argues that C-290 offers an immediate opportunity to make some of the vital amendments essential for the PSDPA to be able to offer better protection for Canadian whistleblowers. Although arguing that much more needs to be done, the changes C-290 would introduce are necessary steps that must be taken now. The Backgrounder details the significant and wide-ranging problems that exist as a result of the inadequacies of the PSDPA.

In this submission to the Task Force reviewing the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, Canada’s whistleblower protection legislation, the Centre for Free Expression puts forward a small number of changes to the legislation that are essential if it is to afford any real protections to those who speak out about problems and wrongdoing.  CFE points out the urgent need for change given that in the 17 years since the law came into effect, during which time more than 500 people have submitted formal complaints of reprisal, not one has received any remedy.

CFE urged the Commission to act on the testimony of expert panels and witnesses that there is an immense public interest in transparency regarding foreign interference. "The Commission cannot defer to the Government of Canada’s conclusions on what can and cannot be disclosed [but must] be prepared to seek recourse in Federal Court on an expedited basis" in the event the Government attempts to overly restrict public access to essential documents about foreign interference.

In its opening submission, the CFE addresses principles for public confidence, the necessity of on transparency throughout the Inquiry, and the importance of the public’s right to know.

Dans son mémoire, le CLE détaille les améliorations importantes que le projet de loi C-290 apportera à la législation fédérale actuelle sur la protection des lanceurs d’alerte, qui comporte des failles importantes. Le CLE recommande que ce projet de loi soit adopté et reçoive la sanction royale dès que possible. En même temps, le CLE indique clairement que bien que les changements apportés par le projet de loi C-290 donnent lieu à des améliorations considérables, la LPFDAR présente encore de graves lacunes et que d'autres changements sont nécessaires pour la rendre conforme aux normes internationales en matière de meilleures pratiques.

In its submission, CFE details the important improvements Bill C-290 will make to the current, deeply flawed, federal whistleblower protection legislation. It recommends that C-290 be passed and given royal assent as soon as possible. At the same time, CFE makes clear that, while vastly improved by C-290 changes, some serious shortcomings of the PSDPA remain and that further changes are required to bring it up to international best practice standards.