West Kelowna launches confidential whistleblower reporting service

The City of West Kelowna has launched a confidential third-party whistleblower service for employees, volunteers, contractors and consultants to report suspected wrongdoing involving the municipality.

The service is operated by independent investigators with Southern Law LLP and is designed to provide a confidential process for reporting concerns while protecting the identity of those involved.

West Kelowna council approved its Confidential Reporting (Whistleblower) Policy in January. The city said the policy is intended to promote accountability, ethical conduct and corporate integrity within the organization.

Under the policy, suspected wrongdoing may include violations of local, provincial or federal laws, negligent or improper management, gross mismanagement of public funds or assets, threats to public health and safety, breaches of public trust, or attempts to conceal such actions.

Chief administrative officer Ron Bowles said the reporting process is part of the city’s commitment to transparency and accountability and provides staff with a safe and accessible way to report serious concerns.

The city said reports made through the whistleblower office must be submitted in good faith and are intended for matters not already covered by other reporting processes, such as workplace safety or respectful workplace complaints.

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