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

This quiz is about the City of Toronto's Article VI that facilitates the disclosure of wrongdoing, ensuring thorough investigations and protecting employees who report wrongdoing from reprisals.