Whistle Blowing

On April 10, 2019 the Mohawk College Board of Governors approved changes to the College's 'Whistle Blowing Policy' in keeping with good corporate governance and best practices. Having a whistle blowing process demonstrates the College's commitment to integrity and accountability. For more information refer to the FAQs below.

 

About the Whistle Blowing Policy

What is whistle blowing and what is it used for?

Whistle blowing is a process for College community members to make reports in good faith about serious wrongdoing by other College community members without concern about retaliation.

'Serious wrongdoing' includes:

  • Criminal offenses, or other wilful violations of federal, provincial or municipal law;
  • Gross mismanagement of College or public resources; and/or
  • Substantial and specific danger to the environment or public health, safety, or the environment.

 

Reports of Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence should be made using one of the existing reporting options that has been established to support survivors and those affected by sexualized violence. It is important to note that you are not required to disclose or report sexualized violence to receive support services. For more information including resources and links visit the Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence Support website.

What is whistle blowing NOT used for?

This procedure should not be used where another College policy or procedure is available for that purpose, including disclosures of sexual assault and sexualized violence. It is not used to report health and safety issues, individual concerns, appeals, complaints or grievances.

Reports of Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence should be made using one of the existing reporting options that has been established to support survivors and those affected by sexualized violence. It is important to note that you are not required to disclose or report sexualized violence to receive support services. For more information including resources and links visit the Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence Support website.

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to all employees of the College, Board of Governors, students, volunteers, visitors, agents, vendors, contractors, subcontractors, a company providing products or services to the College, or who is involved in a request for proposal/tender issued by the College.

Will I get in trouble if I make a report of serious wrongdoing?

The College will not retaliate against any College community member who, in good faith, makes a complaint or disclosure in accordance with this policy. If a disclosure is made in bad faith, the individual may be subject to disciplinary sanctions.

How do I make a report?

If you reasonably know or have reason to believe that another college community member is engaged in serious wrongdoing, you may make a report using the college’s anonymous and confidential online reporting system or by contacting the college’s Vice President, Corporate Services by mail in a sealed envelope, or whistleblowing [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Email Whistle Blowing).

Where the report is against the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, the report should be sent directly to the College President by mail or ron.mckerlie [at] mohawkcollege.ca (email), or using the online reporting system.

What if I want to remain anonymous?

If you wish to remain anonymous, this should be clearly stated in the written report if sent by email or sealed letter. Reports made through the college’s confidential and anonymous online reporting system will remain anonymous unless you choose to disclose your name and personal information in the report. The investigation will attempt to protect the discloser's identity to the extent possible. Please note that anonymous reports will only be acted upon if the evidence collected during the preliminary investigation establishes that the report can be properly investigated, has merit, and is in the public interest. It is important to review the Whistle Blowing Policy and the information on the site before making any report.

How is the report investigated?

The Vice President, Corporate Services will receive, investigate and resolve all reports made under this policy. The Vice President, Corporate Services may delegate the investigation to other parties as appropriate. In all cases, the investigator shall not have any personal or direct interest in the matter disclosed.

What happens after the report is investigated?

The Vice President, Corporate Services (or designate) will contact the reporter within a reasonable time after the preliminary investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, a formal report will be generated that will recommend necessary resolutions of matters raised by the report. The recommendations will be provided to members of Senior Leadership, Mohawk Executive, or Board of Governors as appropriate.

Where can I get more information?

For more information visit, the Whistle Blowing Policy PDF.