How a complaint of reprisal is processed at our Office - video with transcription

If you believe you've experienced a reprisal, you can file a complaint with our office. Here's what happens after reprisal complaint is received.

Step one. Complaint received. You can submit a complaint online, through our website or by mail. Once we receive your complaint, the process begins.

Step two case and ability review. By law, this review must be completed within 15 days.
During this time, our office carefully reviews the information provided to decide whether the complaint can move forward.

Step three could it be a reprisal? Could this situation be a reprisal under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act? If the answer is no. The complainant is informed and the file is closed.

Step four investigation. If the complaint may be a reprisal, our office can start an administrative investigation. 
Investigators gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and make sure the rights of everyone involved are respected throughout the process.

Step five investigation outcome. After the investigation, our office decides whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that a reprisal occurred. If they are no reasonable grounds. All parties are informed and the file is closed.

Step six tribunal referral. If they are reasonable grounds, the Commissioner refers the case to the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal. The tribunal then holds a hearing and makes a final decision.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact our office and thanks for your interest in the office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada.