Determining the amount to be approved - video with transcription

Hello,

If you do not already have access to legal advice at no cost to you and if you meet the eligibility criteria under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, our Office may provide up to $1,500 for access to legal advice. Under exceptional circumstances, this amount can be up to $3,000.

In determining the amount to be paid, if any, the factors that the Commissioner will consider include:

1. The degree to which the public interest may be affected by the subject matter of the disclosure or information provided. Our team will consider whether the matter is being investigated; the importance of the applicant’s participation in the disclosure or investigation; and any other factors relevant to an assessment of public interest.
2. The degree to which the applicant may be adversely affected, considering the degree to which the applicant is personally required to participate in the disclosure or reprisal complaint process, including through an interview, responding to a preliminary investigation report, participating in a conciliation or in an application before the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal; fear or possibility of reprisals in the context of the applicant’s workplace and personal circumstances; possible adverse findings or consequences arising from an investigation for the applicant; any health concerns that could affect the applicant’s ability to participate in the investigation or proceedings and where additional assistance from counsel may be required as a result; and any other factors relating to natural justice and procedural fairness.

For further information, read our Policy on the Granting of Funding for Access to Legal Advice Requests found on our website.

Thanks for your interest in the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada.