FAQ

If you have witnessed wrongdoing, here are some of the questions you may be asking yourself... Should I tell anyone that I am considering blowing the whistle? Before taking any irreversible steps, it may be wise to talk to your family or close friends about your decision to blow the whistle. They may be impacted by your decision and have a right to know. Resisting an "isolation research" strategy is also important to consider by cautiously seeking support from potential allies, such as elected officials, journalists and activists. At what point would I be considered a "whistleblower"? Although the definition may be argued the generally accepted term "whistleblower" applies to those individuals who disclose information about something they believe to be harmful to the public's interest, occurring in business or in government. It includes disclosure to authorities within the organization or to outside agencies or to the media. How do I find out if I am the only one who knows about (or is upset about) the wrongdoing? It is important that you are discreet in your attempts to learn of any other allies or witnesses that are upset about the wrongdoing. It can be a fine line between identifying existing concerns and creating new ones by "stirring the pot". How do I know the best way to blow the whistle? Think carefully about whether you want to "go public" with your concerns or remain an anonymous source. Each strategy has implications: the decision depends on the quantity and quality of your evidence, your ability to camouflage your knowledge of key facts, the risks you are willing to assume and your willingness to endure intense public scrutiny. Should I make a record of my actions or the things I see? Before and after you blow the whistle, keep a careful record of events as they unfold. Try to construct a straightforward, factual log of the relevant activities and events on the job, keeping in mind that you may be required to provide access to your diary if there is a lawsuit. Should I get a lawyer? Obtaining a legal opinion from a competent lawyer is always recommended. It is important that you fully disclose the circumstances surrounding the issue. Always be on guard not to embellish your charges. Where can I obtain information of my rights as a whistleblower? It is very important that you review available resources in order to determine what laws may protect you and whether you need to take immediate action to protect your rights. We recommend that you visit the Government of Canada website for up to date legislation and additional information. We will be providing details and links soon so check back! *IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this Web site is provided for informational and/or educational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter. The transmission and receipt of information contained on this Web site, in whole or in part, or communication with Whistleblower Canada via the Internet or e-mail through this Web site does not obligate Whistleblower Canada to act in any way. The material on this Web site may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of the law addressed herein is subject to revision. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site. Before acting on any information or material in this web site, we strongly recommend you to seek professional legal counsel.