BC Whistleblower Protection Program - Public Interest Disclosure Act

The Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) allows current and former employees of BC agencies, boards, commissions, and several Crown corporations to share information confidentially about serious wrongdoings that affect the public, with designated officials within their organizations or to the Office of the Ombudsperson.

PIDA was drafted to combat wrongdoings in or relating to a ministry, government body, or office, including wrongdoings that occurred before the coming into force of this act:

1. a serious act or omission that, if proven, would constitute an offence under an enactment of British Columbia or Canada;

2. an act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment, other than a danger that is inherent in the performance of an employee's duties or functions;

3. a serious misuse of public funds or public assets;

4. gross or systemic mismanagement;

5. knowingly directing or counselling a person to commit a wrongdoing described in paragraphs (1) to (4) above.

Significantly, PIDA allows for wrongdoings to be reported anonymously, as the act states, "[a] request for advice or a disclosure may be made anonymously."

As of June 1, 2023, PIDA has expanded to those working at health authorities, Providence Health, and BC Emergency Health Services.

PIDA will further expand to cover university foundations and WorkSafeBC in 2024.

In terms of other ways to report on organizations, unionized employees can contact their union for labour agreement violations covered by an applicable collective agreement. An employee can also contact WorkSafeBC regarding reports on safety hazards and unsafe conditions.

For guidance in making a whistleblower complaint, feel free to contact us for assistance.