Public Interest Disclosure

What is a public interest disclosure?

A Public Interest Disclosure (PID) is a disclosure made by a person who reports information that reveals past, present, or proposed future wrongdoing by a government entity when performing a public function.  

What are types of wrongdoing?

• Improper or Corrupt conduct
• Actions that may constitute an offence under a written law
• Unauthorised, or misuse use of public resources
• A substantial and specific risk of injury to public health, public safety, or to the environment
• Dishonest or inefficient administration 
• A criminal offence

Public Interest Policy and Public Interest Management Guidelines

The City's Public Interest Policy and Public Interest Management Guidelines provide details on what you should do if you wish to make a PID and the protections that may be afforded to you. 

If the information you wish to disclose is not covered by the Public Interest Disclosure Act, you can still file your complaint with the City through its grievance process (if you are or were an employee at the time of the incident) or through its complaints management process (if you're a member of the public).  

Should you decide to disclose under the Act, it's crucial that you do not discuss the matter with anyone except the PID officer or the individual conducting the investigation, as doing so could forfeit your immunity under the Act and violate confidentiality rules, potentially leading to penalties. It's also essential to ensure that your information is accurate or likely to be true, as providing false or misleading information is a criminal offense.