Use the Whistleblower Program

As part of its commitment to operating with the highest standards of conduct and ethics, the City of Wetaskiwin has launched a whistleblower program. The City understands that — like in any other workplace in the world — wrongdoings can and do happen. While rare, these wrongdoings are breaches of public trust which erode the confidence of the public in the government’s practices.

What is a whistleblower program?

The whistleblower program provides a confidential process for both community members and City employees to report suspected acts of waste and/or wrongdoing involving members of city council, the city manager, City of Wetaskiwin employees, and City of Wetaskiwin contractors, suppliers, and agencies. Any person who submits a concern through the whistleblower program is protected from reprisal and provided procedural fairness for anyone accused of wrongdoing.

What can be reported?

The whistleblower program is meant for reporting serious concerns, such as mismanagement of public funds, negligence, or unethical conduct. Regular customer service concerns can be handled by contacting reception at 780.361.4400 or emailing administration@wetaskiwin.ca. 

Whistleblower reports can be made about:

  • Questionable financial, internal accounting controls, or auditing practices
  • Serious waste of resources
  • Mismanagement of public funds or a public asset
  • Misappropriation/misuse of funds, equipment, or other assets
  • Falsification of City records
  • Misuse of position in order to derive a personal benefit
  • Conflict of interest
  • Proprietary information theft/safety/security violations
  • Malicious damage
  • Violation of regulatory issues
  • Trade compliance
  • Violations or circumventions of City policies, bylaws, or provincial and federal legislation
  • Negligence
  • Theft or fraud
  • Substance abuse
  • Dangerous practices likely to cause physical harm or damage to any person or City property
  • Dangers to employee or public health and safety
  • Unethical conduct
  • Workplace violence, harassment, and bullying
  • Knowingly directing or counselling an employee to commit a wrongdoing as described above

Read the City of Wetaskiwin's whistleblower policy.

How to use it

Anyone wishing to submit a serious concern regarding City employees, members of administration, the city manager, or city council can do so through the following channels:

Is this anonymous?

While reporters can remain anonymous, there needs to be sufficient evidence to investigate an accusation which can lead to identifying the individual. This is why protections exist for anyone submitting concerns.

Quick Facts:

  • The City of Wetaskiwin’s whistleblower program launched December 1, 2020.
  • Whistleblower programs in organizations are critical components of effective corporate governance. The City of Wetaskiwin’s Whistleblower Policy — passed in October 2019 by council — reflects the City’s ongoing effort to support open, ethical, accountable, and transparent local government.
  • The City is committed to creating and maintaining a positive corporate culture in which employees and members of the public report acts of waste and/or wrongdoing, in good faith, without fear of reprisal, and in which individuals are held accountable.