March 22, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

NEWS RELEASE

The Honourable Denis Coderre, President of the Queen’s Privy Council and Minister responsible for the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada, today introduced in Parliament legislation to establish a mechanism for the disclosure of wrongdoing in the public sector, and to protect persons who disclose wrongdoing.

“We encourage federal public servants to come forward and disclose possible serious wrongdoing and whenever they do, I expect them to be treated fairly,” said Minister Coderre. “This government came to office with a commitment to change the way things work. The actions we are taking today reflect that commitment.”

The bill balances the need to encourage and support good faith disclosure, while acknowledging that existing procedures and authorities can effectively handle many issues of reported wrongdoing. The bill is part of the government’s broader commitment to ensure transparency, accountability, financial responsibility and ethical conduct.

“The vast majority of public servants serve Canadians with honour, integrity and excellence,” said Minister Coderre. “And we have heard the concerns of Canadians. This bill is one of a number of measures that we are implementing to affirm that this government acts with integrity.”

The bill covers all federal public sector employees, including those in Crown Corporations, and requires heads of federal organizations to establish an internal disclosure mechanism. In addition, the bill calls for a code of conduct and establishes an office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner who has the power to investigate and make recommendations on corrective measures. The bill also provides substantial protections in law from reprisal for good faith disclosure.