Did You Know? You can confidentially report wrongdoing through the Internal Disclosure Office? Learn more this World Whistleblower’s Day!

June 20, 2025 - Defence Stories

What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is when a CAF member or public servant discloses possible wrongdoing to the Defence Team’s Internal Disclosure Office (IDO) in good faith and in the public interest. The IDO then manages this disclosure of wrongdoing under the framework outlined in the Canadian Armed Forces Disclosure Process (CAF DP) for CAF members, or the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA), for public servants.

Is there any protection for those making a potential disclosure of wrongdoing?

Yes, the CAF DP and PSDPA establish procedures for reporting wrongdoing and protecting disclosers. This includes:

• A safe and secure work environment free of wrongdoing and reprisal.
• Natural justice, procedural fairness, and confidentiality protected by legislative acts.

Can I make an anonymous disclosure?

Yes, but it may limit the IDO’s response, and anonymous disclosures cannot be protected if an investigation is conducted. By providing your contact information the IDO will be able to make a thorough assessment of your disclosure of wrongdoing, as they will be able to talk to you, get the full picture of the situation, and gather any supporting documents you might have.

I would like to report harassment I experienced in the workplace, can I report this to the IDO?

Matters of a personal nature, such as individual harassment complaints and/or workplace grievances, should continue to be addressed through other available recourse mechanisms.

Are all disclosures investigated?

When a disclosure is submitted, the IDO analysts assess the disclosure’s admissibility as outlined in the PSDPA and CAF DP and decide whether an investigation is necessary.

• If an investigation is warranted, it proceeds accordingly, and outcomes are communicated to all involved parties.
• Cases of founded wrongdoing are published on internal and external websites while respecting privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the PSDPA and CAF DP.

I am unsure if what I have seen qualifies as wrongdoing or just a workplace grievance. Can I get advice without making a formal disclosure?

Yes, you can contact the IDO anonymously with general questions or concerns, without making a formal disclosure. They can help you understand if you've witnessed wrongdoing or have a workplace grievance.

I am a DND employee, and I suspect contract irregularities and /or potential fraud. How should I proceed?

You should report the fraud suspicions and /or the misuse of public or non-public property under the PSDPA. Reach out to the IDO, and they will support you in assessing the situation and determine the next steps. You can find a full list of what the PSDPA defines wrongdoing here: Overview of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.

I am a CAF member, and I witnessed a colleague misusing military equipment. What can I do?

You can report this misuse under the CAF DP. Contact the IDO to make a disclosure, and they will guide you through the process.

Want to Learn More?

For more information, visit the Internal Disclosure Office intranet page. Inquiries can be submitted via email at ido-bdi@forces.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-236-4445.