Annual Report on the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act 2007-08

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

The Clerk of the Privy Council has noted that too great a focus on wrongdoing and individual accountability risks "creating a government environment in which public servants are more concerned with not being accused of doing the wrong thing than with doing the right thing."[7] Accordingly, the Act must always be considered only one of the key elements that strengthen the culture and practice of values and ethics throughout the federal public sector and help sustain the federal public sector as a top employer.

The Agency is pleased that public sector organizations have reported extensive activity related to the Act: not only disclosures and investigations, but also the incorporation of the principles of the Act in training and overall messaging in support of public sector values and ethics. Much work remains, however. Public sector organizations must continue to communicate to their employees about the Act, its procedures and its principles. Employees must understand that "doing the right thing" includes reporting perceived wrongdoing appropriately, and that if they do, they are protected from reprisal. Furthermore, managers at all levels need to understand and appreciate their responsibilities under the Act. Leaders at all levels must embody the principles of the Act—ensuring that public sector employees act with integrity, that wrongdoing is handled efficiently and fairly and that reprisal is not tolerated—to reinforce the ethical culture of Canada's public sector. This requires a sustained effort.

The Agency will continue to assist public sector organizations in implementing the Act by supporting Senior Officers, improving and expanding communications and developing further knowledge about effective internal disclosure procedures and promotion. The Agency will also encourage organizations to balance messages about disclosures and reprisal protection with a positive emphasis on public sector values and ethics. In future years, we anticipate reporting that public sector organizations have not only fulfilled their responsibilities, but also taken proactive steps to further infuse public sector values and ethics into their organizational cultures. As public sector organizations further establish and refine their internal disclosure procedures, and as the Agency increases its understanding of the implementation of the Act, more detailed analysis should be possible in future reports.

Central to the Agency's work in 2008–09 will be work on the development of a new public sector code of conduct. We look forward to consultations across the public sector as we ensure that the new code not only embodies our long established values, but also anticipates renewal. We also look forward to supporting public sector organizations as they establish related codes of conduct applicable to their own organizations.

The Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, in addition to protecting those who disclose, is about the ongoing promotion of ethical practices. It is ultimately intended to maintain and enhance public confidence in the integrity of public sector employees—something that we depend on if we are to continue to serve the Canadian public effectively.