POLICY NAME: WHISTLEBLOWER – DISCLOSURES OF WRONG DOINGS POLICY
1. PURPOSE
This whistleblower policy is to provide direction to anyone (employee or non-employee) who deals with or has dealt with Seabird Island (SI) regarding the communication of concerns on serious wrongdoing in operational matters. A whistleblower incident is a wrongdoing as that contravention of any law, the misuse of SI funds or assets, gross mismanagement in the Band’s operations, and a serious breach of the member and public trust.
It is the policy of SI that the Whistleblower must immediately communicate Whistleblower incidents as soon as the Whistleblower becomes aware of such situations. Whistleblower incidents shall be communicated using the Band’s prescribed procedures for the submission of whistleblower incidents. If the person who filed the allegation believes it was not dealt with at the Management level they may forward it to the Council’s designated member. (see attached form)
It is the policy of SI that the Whistleblower will not be discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or in any other manner discriminated against as a result of communicating a whistleblower incident in good faith. Full protection is granted to all persons who made protected disclosures or who have in good faith cooperated in an investigation into a disclosure. There are no third party disclosures.
SI will not protect a Whistleblower who intentionally makes false accusations in reporting of a whistleblower incident, particularly for personal gain or malicious spite. Any SI employee found to be making false accusations through falsifying proof or making deliberate false statements will be subject disciplinary action including dismissal. Any member of the public who intentionally makes false accusations will be dealt with by SI legal advisors.
This policy is intended to provide a framework for the responsible and professional conduct by all SI employees who may find themselves in a position of suspecting or identifying fraudulent activities during and outside of work hours where it relates to SI business. It is also intended to help employees manage the risks to themselves, other employees, stakeholders, and the organization in this regard. This policy is meant to work in conjunction with the SI Fraud Policy and other applicable policies.
2. CONTACTING US
• Email: ED@seabirdisland.ca
• Telephone: 604-796-2177
• Post Mail to: ED, SI Band, P O Box 2895Chowat Rd., Agassiz B.C. Visit us at: Band Office 2895 Chowat Rd. (Office Hours 8:00am – 4:00pm)
PUBLIC FEEDBACK POLICY- COMPLIMENTS, COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS, AND COMPLAINTS FORM
The Seabird Island Band is committed to giving the public the best possible service. We welcome your suggestions, inquiries, and feedback on our service, whether positive or negative. If something is wrong, we will try to put it right. It is our intention to use the feedback to improve continually upon everything we do. The personal information provided on this form is protected under the provisions of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Please ask for assistance to fill-out this form if required.