Today, we acknowledge and reflect upon the significance of National Whistleblower Day. This day is not merely a calendar mark but a poignant reminder of our collective commitment to fostering an environment rooted in the highest standards of ethicality, accountability, and transparency.
At FMPSD, we firmly believe in the integrity of our operations and the crucial role each of us plays in safeguarding the public trust and confidence placed in our Division's administration. We emphasize the vital importance of whistleblowing as a mechanism to deter and detect wrongdoing and promote a culture of honesty and responsibility.
Understanding the gravity and potential impact of whistleblowing, we reiterate our dedication to ensuring a supportive environment where all employees feel empowered and protected in disclosing any potential wrongdoing. We want to remind you that there exists no tolerance for retribution against individuals who, in good faith, come forward to report or seek guidance about possible unethical practices or violations.
To facilitate this, FMPSD adheres to AP 403: Duty to Report, as aligned with the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (“PIDA”), which came into effect on June 1, 2013, in Alberta. PIDA is designed to:
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Enable the safe disclosure and thorough investigation of significant concerns within public entities, including potentially unlawful activities, dangers to the public, or actions detrimental to the public interest.
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Extend protection to employees who make disclosures from any form of reprisal.
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Ensure proper management, investigation, and resolutions per the disclosures and reprisals.
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Uphold and enhance public confidence in the administration of public entities.
We encourage you to be vigilant, responsible, and proactive in highlighting misconduct or unethical behaviour. Should you encounter or suspect any wrongdoing within our Division, please report it to the Designated Officer as outlined in our procedures. Your courage and honesty are paramount in maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of FMPSD.
Let's continue building an atmosphere of mutual respect, integrity, and unwavering ethical standards. If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the whistleblowing process or PIDA, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your dedication to fostering a transparent and accountable environment at FMPSD.
Thank you,
Office of the Superintendent