Public Interest Disclosure (Whistle Blower Protection Policy)

This policy is intended to provide a clear process when disclosing concerns about significant and serious wrongdoing relating to public service.  

As a not for profit organization, WinnServ is funded by the Provincial Government and falls under the definition of a public service. Along with the Manitoba Public Interest Disclosure Act, this policy provides protection from reprisal for those reporting serious wrongdoing. WinnServ will protect anyone reporting such a wrongdoing (Whistleblower) from reprisal. This policy does not deal with routine operational or human resource issues but relates to wrongdoings as follows:

• An act or omission that is an offence under an Act or regulation (breaking the law);
• An act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons or the environment;
• Gross mismanagement, including mismanaging public funds or a public asset (government property); and
• Knowingly directing or advising someone to commit any wrongdoing described above.

Making a Disclosure

Disclosures must be made in writing and include specific details about the wrongdoing that has been or is about to be committed. Disclosures can be made to the Executive Director of WinnServ or to the Manitoba Ombudsman www.ombudsman.mb.ca.  

The disclosure must include:

• A description of the wrongdoing.
• The name of the person(s) alleged to have committed the wrongdoing or about to commit the wrongdoing.
• The date of the wrongdoing.
• If a disclosure sent to the Executive Director pertains to a matter outside of WinnServ, the person will be notified that the disclosure will be referred to the appropriate external authority or Manitoba Ombudsman for review and handling. The identity of the person will remain confidential. The person may at that time withdraw the disclosure or agree to have it referred. If the disclosure is withdrawn, the file will be closed.

If it would be inappropriate for the Executive Director to review a disclosure, either because of the nature of the alleged wrongdoing or because of the persons involved in the disclosure, the Executive Director may refer the disclosure to the Manitoba Ombudsman for review and handling. The identity of the disclosing person will be kept confidential.

Review of Disclosure

The Executive Director will review a disclosure as follows:

• Cooperate with the Ombudsman.
• Protect the confidentiality and the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice.
• Seek advice as required.
• Take appropriate action on the subject matter of the disclosure regardless of the resolution of the disclosure.