The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report following engagement related to the review of the Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act.
The Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act provides a process for employees of public organizations to follow if they are in a situation where they believe a wrongdoing has been committed or is about to be committed or if they believe they have been unfairly treated because of raising concerns about a wrongdoing.
The report summarizes the recent public engagement and input from Yukoners and stakeholders regarding potential improvements, such as expanding the Act to cover other organizations and groups.
The public engagement ran from November 1 to December 15, 2023. Yukoners and stakeholders were able to complete a short online survey and or submit written input.
Of the 78 total respondents who participated in the engagement, 55 indicated yes to expanding the Act to cover other organizations or groups.
Input obtained from this public engagement will help the Government of Yukon determine if the Act could be expanded and if any other improvements can be made.
Thank you to all the Yukoners and stakeholders who dedicated their time and effort to participate in this important public engagement. Your thoughts, concerns and ideas will help us to determine if the Act could be expanded and if any other improvements can be made.
Minister responsible for Public Service Commission Sandy Silver
The Act was brought into force on June 15, 2015.
The purpose of the Act is to:
- facilitate the disclosure and investigation of significant and serious matters in, or relating to, public entities that an employee believes may be unlawful, dangerous to the public or injurious to the public interest;
- protect employees who make those disclosures; and
- promote public confidence in the administration of public entities.
The Act currently covers:
- Government of Yukon departments, directorates, secretariats or other similar executive agencies;
- Workers' Safety and Compensation Board, Yukon Development Corporation, Yukon Energy Corporation, Yukon Hospital Corporation, Yukon Housing Corporation and Yukon Liquor Corporation; and
- other specified public entities, which are Yukon University, the Legislative Assembly Office, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate and the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer.
Jordan Owens
Cabinet Communications
867-335-9058
Jordan.Owens@yukon.ca
Kelan Deigh
Public Service Commission
867-471-2983
kelan.deigh@yukon.ca