PIDA Resource Centre
Disclosure refers to "Wrongdoing"
- a serious act or omission that, if proven, would breach any laws of British Columbia or Canada
- an act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment (other than a danger that is inherent in the performance of an employee's duties or function)
- a serious misuse of public funds or public assets
- gross or systemic management. Mismanagement is the inappropriate or irresponsible management of government resource, such as staff, a contract, or a project.
- knowingly directing or counselling a person to commit a wrongdoing described (1) to (4)
Reprisal Includes:
- Demotion or termination of employment
- Unreasonable performance management
- Not being promoted
- Missing out on professional development activities
- Physical harm to employees to their property
PIDA Policy & Administrative Procedure
PIDA Disclosure Form
VSB PIDA Disclosure Form Fillable.pdf
BC Ombudsperson Office
The BC Ombudsperson's Office investigates complaints from members of the public who feel they have been treated unfairly by a broad range of public bodies. Under PIDA, disclosers can report wrongdoing to ask advise from the Ombudsperson. The office will investigate reprisals.
The BC Ombudsperson Office can be reached in several ways:
Email: info@bcombudsperson.ca
Phone: 1-800-567-3247 or 250-387-5855
Mail to:
BC Ombudsperson
PO Box 9030
Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9A5
Website: BC Ombudsperson
Visit in person: 2nd Floor, 947 Fort Street, Victoria BC
Training
- PIDA Training Video
- Speaking up Safely, developed by the Ombudsperson for public sector employees.
What is the Public Interest Disclosure (PIDA) Act?
PIDA is a legislation that provides the framework for employees to report specific kinds of wrongdoing with legislated protection from reprisal. PIDA is effective for all employees of Vancouver School Board effective 31st December 2023.
What is Wrongdoing?
PIDA deals with the following specific types of wrongdoing:
- a serious act or omission that, if proven, would constitute an offence under an enactment of B.C, or Canada.
- an act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment (other than a danger that is inherent in the performance of an employee's duties or functions);
- a serious misuse of public funds or public assets;
- gross or systemic mismanagement.
- knowingly directing or counselling a person to commit a wrongdoing described above.
Who can report wrongdoing under PIDA?
Current employee or former employee of the Vancouver School Board can report wrongdoing.
Who can provide advice to employees under PIDA?
An employee can seek advice about making a disclosure or a complaint about a reprisal from their supervisor, union or Vancouver School Board designated officer, a lawyer, or the BC Ombudsperson.
How can I make a disclosure of wrongdoing?
An employee or former employee can make a disclosure of wrongdoing to their supervisor, Vancouver School Board designated officer by completing an on-line form or the Ombudsperson.
Can disclosures be made anonymously?
Yes. PIDA allows employees to make an anonymously disclosures. When making an anonymous disclosure it is essential to provide as much detail as possible about the wrongdoing. If insufficient details is provided, and the Vancouver School Board designated officer or the BC Ombudsperson does not have a way to contact the discloser, an investigation may not be conducted.
If an employee chooses to make a disclosure anonymously, they need remain anonymously from the beginning, when they make the disclosure. An anonymous disclosure cannot contain any information which identifies the person who submitted it (such as their email address, personal address, or name)
If you previously sought advise under PIDA and your identity is known to the person you sought advise from, you cannot ask to make the disclosure anonymously. The legislation provides confidentiality from reprisals to protect you if you make a disclosure.
Can I report wrongdoing that happened a long time ago?
Yes. PIDA does not have any time restrictions. However, it may not be possible to investigate wrongdoing that happened a very long time ago if evidence or witnesses are no longer available or there would by no useful purpose in an investigation.
What is the role of the Ombudsperson Office under PIDA?
The Office of the Ombudsperson of British Columbia is an independent Office of the legislature and is responsible for providing information and advise to employees who are considering making a report under the Act. Protecting confidentiality of employees who seek advise or report wrongdoing under the Act. Investigate reports of wrongdoing under the Act received from employees or referred by the Designated Officer and investigate reprisals.
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