Whistle-blower Program: recommendations

A component of each whistle-blower investigation is, where possible and appropriate, to determine underlying causes of procedural failure or control weakness leading to a concern being reported.

Recommendations are raised to the attention of Management with a view that, if implemented, these corrective actions would mitigate opportunity for similar activities to reoccur.

Recommendations are made based on the concern or issue reported and are not limited to substantiated allegations.

2022 recommendations • 2021 recommendations

2022 Recommendations

Year	Category of Reported Concern	Nature of Allegation	Conclusion and Corrective Action
Q1 2022	Misuse, Misappropriation of Assets	It was alleged that an employee had inappropriately claimed sick time off from work.	The Whistle‐blower Program’s investigation determined the allegation to be substantiated. The investigation confirmed that the employee’s actions were purposeful and not aligned with The City’s Code of Conduct or the Labour Relations Policy. As a result of the investigation, appropriate corrective action will be taken by Administration.
Q1 2022	HR, Diversity and Respectful Workplace	It was alleged that a City employee posted offensive material to social media.	The Whistle‐blower Program’s investigation determined the allegation to be substantiated. The investigation determined that an unsecured social media account was associated to a self‐identified City employee and was found to contain material that was offensive and contrary to the City’s Social Media, Media Relations, and Public Statements Policy. As a result of the investigation, the WBP recommended that Administration take appropriate corrective action including training to reinforce the employee’s obligations to remain compliant with policy.
Q1 2022	Health, Safety, and Environment	It was alleged that a contractor actively providing services to The City was noncompliant with the COVID‐19 Contractor and Volunteer Vaccination Policy.	The Whistle‐blower Program’s investigation determined the allegation to be substantiated. Investigation confirmed the non‐compliance and corrective action was taken to bring the contractor into compliance with the COVID‐19 Contractor and Volunteer Vaccination Policy.
Q1 2022	Business Integrity	It was alleged that an employee, acting in a leadership capacity, failed to ensure the correct recording of time off taken by an employee with whom there was a family relationship.	The Whistle‐blower Program’s investigation determined the allegation to be substantiated. The investigation confirmed that the employee breached the Conflict of Interest Policy in failing to inform the supervisor, which resulted in the employee, with whom there was a family relationship, benefiting from incorrect time records and associated compensation. As a result of the investigation the time records have been corrected and Administration has undertaken several corrective actions including reinforcement of policy compliance expectations to the employee.
Q1 2022	HR, Diversity, and Respectful Workplace	It was alleged that a City employee engaged in disrespectful behaviour directed toward multiple colleagues which were contrary to the Respectful Workplace Policy.	The Whistle‐blower Program’s investigation determined the allegation to be substantiated. The investigation determined that the employee’s behaviour was not aligned with the Respectful Workplace Policy. The employee’s supervisor has taken appropriate corrective action to address the allegation substantiated.
Q1 2022	Misuse, Misappropriation of Assets	It was alleged that a City employee utilized a City vehicle wash bay to clean a personal vehicle.	The Whistle‐blower Program’s investigation determined the allegation to be substantiated. The investigation confirmed the misuse of the City vehicle wash bay, in breach of the Labour Relations Policy as it relates to malfeasance. As a result of the investigation, the Whistle‐blower Program recommended to Administration that it take appropriate corrective action to support ongoing policy compliance.