Province Releases Third Disclosure of Wrongdoing Report

The provincial government's third annual report on disclosure of wrongdoing was tabled in the legislature today, Dec. 13. The report, which covers April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007, was tabled by Human Resources Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson.

"We are pleased to ensure that provincial employees have access to a process to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisal," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson. "These mechanisms, and an annual report to the public, are important parts of accountable government and building confidence among Nova Scotians."

Nova Scotia implemented an umbrella policy and disclosure regulations in Sept. 2004. The regulations are not meant to supercede other protections for employees, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

In the time frame covered by the report, there were two disclosures reported to deputy heads. A disclosure reported at the Department of Health was referred to the Office of the Ombudsman.

A disclosure reported at the Department of Justice was reviewed internally and deemed not to be a wrongdoing. Under the policy and regulations, the reporting employee raised the matter with the Office of the Ombudsman, which is now under investigation.

In its annual report to the Public Service Commissioner, the Office of the Ombudsman reported that it started an additional investigation, made two recommendations to modify the notification processes in the regulations, and responded to 18 requests for more information from employees during the report's time frame.

The Public Service Commission, departments and the Office of the Ombudsman have continued efforts to raise awareness about the wrongdoing regulations and policy among employees.