ACTING PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE COMMISSIONER APPOINTED

Kevin Fenwick, Provincial Ombudsman, has been named Acting Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner.

The all-party Board of Internal Economy, in a unanimous decision, appointed Fenwick under the provisions of The Public Interest Disclosure Act, which provides a process for employees to disclose potential wrongdoings in the workplace, and protects those employees from reprisal.

"I am pleased we have secured the appointment of a commissioner with the competence and integrity of Mr. Fenwick," Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission June Draude said. "Government employees can discuss potential concerns with Mr. Fenwick and know they are safe from reprisal."

The Act provides the Commissioner with authority to undertake investigations, provide education, make recommendations and initiate systemic reviews when common themes or issues are identified through the complaint process. As part of the Act, the Board of Internal Economy has the authority to appoint Fenwick as the "Acting" Commissioner so that his office can begin undertaking this work immediately. Final approval of this decision will occur when the Legislative Assembly as a whole has an opportunity to confirm his appointment in the upcoming legislative session.

The legislation covers Ministries, Crown Investment Corporation Crowns, and Treasury Board Crowns, as well as other organizations defined as government organizations in The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Under the Act, each government institution also has a Designated Officer with whom employees may file disclosures about wrongdoing.

"Government takes this seriously, and we are pleased to see this commitment in place," Draude said. "We greatly value the work public service employees do on behalf of the people of the province, and the public will ultimately benefit from the increased accountability."

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927