B.C. boosts whistleblower protections for health-care workers

June 11, 2023

British Columbia is providing better protections to health-care workers in the province through a policy improvement and greater investment.

The provincial government is expanding the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) for people working at health authorities, effective June 1, 2023.

Under B.C.’s PIDA, employers can’t take “any measure that adversely affects the employee’s employment or working conditions” – such as a termination or demotion – against an employee who seeks advice about reporting wrongdoing, reports wrongdoing or cooperates with an investigation.

“No one is above the rules. When someone sees something that could seriously undermine confidence in public services, it’s vital they feel they can safely share those concerns without fear of repercussion,” says Niki Sharma, attorney general. “As we bring more employees under the protections of this legislation, British Columbians can be reassured that serious wrongdoing will not get in the way of delivering on the services we need most.”

Source: HR Reporter