Reporting Wrongdoing Complaints
The City of Chestermere’s Whistleblower Policy is in place to establish and maintain a system to prevent, report and investigate suspected Wrongdoing, as well as to protect the complainant from retaliation for reporting suspected Wrongdoing or participating in an investigation.
An employee, contractor or volunteer with the City of Chestermere can report suspected acts of Wrongdoing to the Third-Party Reviewer, Kingsgate Legal, for initial review. Reports to the Third-Party Reviewer can be made by email or phone, using the contact information below.
Email: COCwhistleblower@kingsgate.legal
Phone: 587-735-1424
A complaint must include the following information:
1. A detailed description of the alleged Wrongdoing, including all facts known to the complainant;
2. The name of the individual or individuals alleged to have engaged in Wrongdoing;
3. The names of any witnesses;
4. The date the alleged Wrongdoing occurred;
5. An explanation of any perceived risk to the City;
6. Contact information for the complainant unless the complainant wishes to remain anonymous.
Wrongdoing is defined by Whistleblower Policy No. 129 as:
An act or omission that constitutes one or more of the following, in relation to the City:
- a contravention of federal or provincial legislation or regulations;
- gross mismanagement, including an act or omission that shows a reckless or wilful disregard for the proper management of: municipal funds or a municipal asset; the delivery of a municipal service; any act of fraud.
- an act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health, or safety of any person, or to the environment, other than a danger inherent in performance of a person’s duties as an Employee or Contractor;
- an act of Retaliation; or
- advising or encouraging any person to do anything set out in this definition.
More Information
Anonymous Complaints
The Third-Party Reviewer will accept anonymous complaints, however, the Third-Party Reviewer has no obligation to forward an anonymous complaint with recommendation for investigation if there is no reasonable expectation, based upon an initial review, to be able to substantiate the complaint.
What Happens After A Complaint is Made
The Third-Party Reviewer will contact the complainant to acknowledge receipt of the complaint and may also discuss the allegations reported and confirm details of the complaint. A complaint made by phone will result in the formalization of that complaint in writing.
The Third-Party Reviewer will conduct an initial assessment of the complaint. If the complaint is not subject to investigation under the Whistleblower Policy, the Third-Party Reviewer will advise the complainant and the complaint will be closed. If a complaint is made in good faith and there are reasonable grounds to warrant an investigation, the Third-Party Reviewer must recommend investigation in their summary assessment report. [insert name of applicable position/office] will assign an independent investigator to investigate the complaint and the complainant will be notified.