Chapter 192 Part 5

Purpose and Scope

• The purpose of Article VI is to facilitate the disclosure of wrongdoing that is contrary to the public interest, ensure thorough investigations, and protect employees who report wrongdoing from reprisal.
• The article addresses matters that are in the public interest and for which there are no established mechanisms for consideration and investigation.

Responsibilities

Auditor General

• Operate the Fraud and Waste Hotline
• Undertake preliminary review of allegations of wrongdoing
• Investigate or refer responsibility for investigations to the City Manager or designate
• Provide oversight to investigations led by the City Manager or designate
• Inform the City Manager of allegations of wrongdoing in a timely manner
• Refer allegations that do not constitute wrongdoing to the appropriate City official or Accountability Officer for investigation and action
• Investigate allegations of reprisals against employees

City Manager

• Lead and advance a culture rooted in the highest ethical standards for City employees
• Ensure City employees understand their ethical rights and responsibilities
• Investigate or refer responsibility to City staff to investigate alleged wrongdoing
• Ensure City employees who, in good faith, report wrongdoing are protected from reprisal
• Report the results of investigations of alleged wrongdoing to the Auditor General
• Investigate and resolve allegations of employee misconduct that do not constitute wrongdoing
• Ensure comprehensive tracking of employee misconduct to identify trends and implement corrective actions
• Ensure recommendations made by the Auditor General are implemented on a timely basis

Managers

• Promote ethical conduct and support ethical decision-making
• Undertake investigations of alleged wrongdoing seriously and appropriately
• Report the results of investigations of alleged wrongdoing to the Auditor General
• Investigate and resolve allegations of employee misconduct that do not constitute wrongdoing
• Ensure that City employees under their supervision, who, in good faith, report wrongdoing, are protected from reprisal
• Establish and maintain a system of internal controls to detect and prevent wrongdoing
• Be familiar with the types of wrongdoing that could occur within their area of responsibility and take proactive steps to guard against such activities

Disclosure of Wrongdoing

• City employees who are aware of wrongdoing must immediately notify their manager, their Division Head, or the Auditor General's Office
• Employees who report wrongdoing in good faith will be protected from reprisal
• Any employee who knowingly makes a false complaint in bad faith or makes a false or misleading statement that is intended to mislead an investigation may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal

Investigations

• Allegations of wrongdoing received by City management must be immediately reported to the Auditor General
• Allegations received by the Auditor General's Office will be investigated or referred to the City Manager or designate for investigation
• The identity of individuals involved in an investigation will be protected to the fullest extent possible
• Investigation results will not be disclosed or discussed with anyone other than those who have a legitimate need to know
• Individuals who improperly breach confidentiality may be subject to legal action or disciplinary action up to and including dismissal

Expectations of Employees

• Employees are expected to fully co-operate with the Auditor General's Office, the City Manager or designate, and law enforcement agencies during the course of an investigation
• Employees contacted by the media with respect to a wrongdoing investigation shall refer the media to the Director of Strategic Communications or designate