Members of the public and Municipal employees can now in good faith file allegations of wrongdoing with the RMWB as part of its new Whistleblower Policy that came into effect on Monday.
The policy is one of the 46 recommendations coming out of the Accountability, Integrity and Transparency Audit by KPMG in September of 2014. It was approved by Council on Oct. 6, 2015 and provides a clear path for members of the public and Municipal employees to report acts of wrong doing by employees, vendors and Elected Officials.
It also provides protection to whistleblowers from any retaliation.
“This policy shows the Municipality’s commitment to a corporate culture where there is no tolerance for wrongdoing,” said Mayor Melissa Blake in a press release. “It responds to a key recommendation arising from the Accountability, Integrity and Transparency Audit and is consistent with best municipal practices.”
Any allegation filed must include the name of each employee, Elected Official or vendor against whom an allegation is made. A whistleblower can remain anonymous if they so choose.
The nature of the alleged wrongdoing, the date or dates of the act, along with a statement as to the information or evidence upon which the allegation is based, along with any other relevant information that would help with an investigation into the allegation should also be included.
The RMWB has brought on Ernst & Young as a third-party operator for the program. Allegations can be made by phone at (780) 788-4332, by email at integrity@ca.ey.com or by mail at Whistleblower, P.O. Box 6722, Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 5R3.
More information can be found online.
