Canada's New Government Starts Selection Process for Public Sector Integrity Commissioner

For immediate release

OTTAWA, February 26, 2007 — Canada’s New Government continues to deliver on its ongoing commitment to implement the Federal Accountability Act by posting a public notice to identify qualified candidates for the position of Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.

“Through the Federal Accountability Act, Canada’s New Government has strengthened protection for whistleblowers in the public-sector,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board. “Public sector employees who disclose government wrongdoing need an independent Commissioner to hear them and protect them from reprisals. That’s why we are delivering on our promise by creating the position of Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.”

The Federal Accountability Act strengthens the existing Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act through a number of amendments, such as giving the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner an expanded mandate. The Commissioner will have greater responsibilities, including the authority to conduct investigations on information received from any person about allegations of wrongdoing in the entire public sector and regarding complaints of reprisals from public sector employees.

This announcement is part of the implementation of the Federal Accountability Act, which received Royal Assent on December 12, 2006. Through the Federal Accountability Act and its companion Action Plan, the Government of Canada has brought forward specific measures to strengthen accountability in government. More information on the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan is available at www.accountability.gc.ca.

This notice will be published in the Canada Gazette on March 3 and will also be found under the Public Service Integrity Office section of the Governor in Council website.

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