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CANADIAN FINANCIAL OFFICERS CONCERNED ABOUT PROPOSED WHISTLE-BLOWING LEGISLATION
February 22, 2005
The Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO) presented today to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. The meeting addressed some of the Association's concerns about Bill C-11, the federal government's proposed whistle-blowing legislation.
Financial officers are at the forefront of the whistle-blowing issue. There have been numerous occasions where financial officers have reported to have felt pressure to certify payments they felt were not justifiable under the current financial control framework and forced to process financial transactions which have failed to comply with the requirements of the framework. In many cases, they do not feel that there is a mechanism in place to address this without fear of reprimands or marginalization.
ACFO representatives told the Committee that Bill C-11, as presented, would not provide civil servants with enough confidence and protection to come forward with allegations of wrongdoing.
Additionally, the Public Service Commission, the body being considered to handle disclosures, does not have enough independence to give employees a clear sense that their allegations would be treated fairly.
While the Association recognizes the government's efforts, the adoption of the bill without significant amendments would be counterproductive. ACFO believes that an agency, at arm's-length from the government, with legislated authority and a director appointed by Parliament, should be created. Its sole responsibility should be the administration of the disclosure regime. This would include the investigation of claims of wrongdoing and the verification that no reprisals are taken against the person who did their duty and came forward with the allegations.
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