The Whistleblower Program sets out a mechanism for members of the public and Municipal employees to report acts of wrongdoing by employees, Elected Officials, or vendors, in good faith, and protects whistleblowers from retaliation. The whistleblower policy is intended to promote a corporate culture and environment with no tolerance for wrongdoing. Members of the public and employees are encouraged to report wrongdoing and to do so without fear of retaliation.
Wrongdoing means an act or omission that constitutes one or more of the following:
- A contravention of federal or provincial legislation or regulations
- Misuse or gross mismanagement of Municipal funds or assets, or Civil Fraud
- An act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of any person, or to the environment, other than a danger inherent in performance of a person's duties as an employee or vendor
- A serious breach of the Municipality's Code of Conduct
- Advising or encouraging any person to do anything set out in the above statements
The Municipality expects its employees to follow its Code of Conduct and to demonstrate ethics, integrity and professionalism in their work. If you are a member of the public who sees an employee, Elected Official or vendor engaging in wrongdoing, you can report it through the Whistleblower Program. Employees must follow the steps outlined in the FAQ before reporting allegations through the Whistleblower Program. Ernst & Young, an impartial third-party service provider, will process all allegations. They will forward allegations to the appropriate internal Municipal lead, who will determine whether each allegation warrants an investigation or follow-up actions.
Where individuals are concerned about revealing their identity, they may use the anonymous option for reporting, recognizing however that this may limit the ability to investigate.
How to file an allegation
Allegations must include the following information:
- The name of the Whistleblower, unless the Whistleblower chooses to remain anonymous
- The position of the Whistleblower with the Municipality (if applicable)
- The name of each employee, Elected Official or vendor against whom an allegation is made
- The specific nature of the alleged wrongdoing or retaliation
- The specific date or dates of the alleged wrongdoing or retaliation
- A statement as to the information or evidence upon which the allegation is based
- Any other information or evidence the Whistleblower believes may be relevant or material to an investigation of the allegation
Allegations must be made within six months of the date of the alleged wrongdoing or within six months of the date that the Whistleblower learned of facts supporting an allegation. No time limit applies in the case of an allegation of criminal activity.
Whistleblower contact information:
Whistleblower
P.O. Box 6722
Fort McMurray, AB
T9H 5R3
780-788-4332 (local)
866-451-4725 (toll-free)
or email:
ethics.alert@mnp.ca
All reports to the Whistleblower Program will be handled in strictest confidence.