Today is the fifth annual Whistleblower Awareness Day, which reminds us of the important role that whistleblowers play in strengthening organizations like ours. Reporting workplace wrongdoing brings to light matters that an employee believes may be unlawful, dangerous or harmful to the public interest. To increase the likelihood of disclosures, it’s important that people feel that they can express themselves without fear.

Here are some ways to learn more:

• Review Portage College whistleblowing Information.
• Bookmark the Public Interest Commissioner’s website, which includes an article about Whistleblower Awareness Day as well as links that make it easy to report wrongdoing and/or reprisal.
• Follow the Alberta Public Interest Commissioner and Alberta Ombudsman on social media. (LinkedIn, Facebook, X) and the Public Interest Commissioner (LinkedIn).

The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act provides employees a clear process for disclosing concerns about wrongdoing and ensures protection from reprisal. And should an employee wish to seek independent advice, the Public Interest Commissioner’s office conducts independent and impartial investigations into allegations of workplace wrongdoing or reprisal.