Publication June 14, 2017

What’s Wrong with Canada’s Federal Whistleblower Legislation

This document sets out in simple terms many of the serious shortcomings of Canada’s federal whistleblower protection system, which have led to this system being almost completely ineffective. 

This report examines not just the way the Act is written, but how it has been interpreted and enforced by the responsible agencies, how it has been monitored and overseen, and above all how effective it has been in protecting whistleblowers and exposing wrongdoing. 

It draws upon observations regarding the performance of this system over ten years, as well as shortcomings in the Act that were pointed out from the start. This analysis, conducted for CFE, supersedes a previous analysis conducted for FAIR in 2012 (which is included for reference as an appendix).

Related

Policy Submission September 17, 2024

CFE Submissions to the Senate of Canada re Bill C-290

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.
Whistleblower Protection
News May 2, 2024

Luc Sabourin Wins the 2024 Peter H. Bryce Prize

The Centre for Free Expression (CFE) announced today that Luc Sabourin is the 2024 winner of the Peter Bryce Prize. The Prize is awarded annually to recognize and honour an individual who served the greater good by courageously speaking up about wrongdoing or abuses of public trust. 
Whistleblower Protection