What kind of disclosure is protected?
The Act protects any person who, while acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has disclosed information regarding a wrongdoing to the inspector general.
How are whistleblowers protected?
The Act prohibits any person from taking any kind of reprisal against anyone who has made a protected disclosure. Any individual who knowingly takes any kind of reprisal is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine up to $20 000 for a natural person or up to $250 000 in other cases. For any subsequent offence, the amounts are doubled.
Under the Act, a reprisal s.57.1.15 includes:
- taking a disciplinary measure against the employee;
- demoting, transferring or suspending the employee;
- terminating the employment of the employee;
- taking any measure that adversely affects the employment or working conditions of the employee; or
- making a threat to take any of the measures above.
The inspector general must take all necessary measures to protect the identity of persons who have communicated a wrongdoing s.57.1.14.
How should disclosures be made?
In order to make a disclosure to the inspector general, you can complete the online form or contact the reports and disclosure hotline by:
Phone: 514-280-2800
Fax: 514-280-2877
E-mail: big@bigmtl.ca
For additional information regarding the whistleblowing process following your disclosure, please visit the Reports and Disclosure Hotline Website.