It is essential that whistleblowers are protected otherwise no one would come forward to expose mismanagement, corruption, or even political interference. The NDP introduced Bill 34 in the Legislature a few weeks ago to protect those who blow the whistle on their employer. As a PC Caucus, we support the principle of whistleblower protection, but our concern is to ensure that any proposed legislation has teeth. Bill 34 was poor legislation for a number of reasons. As Finance Critic, I introduced a number of amendments to strengthen protection for whistleblowers – but every amendment that I proposed was rejected by the NDP majority.

I proposed that protection be given to whistleblowers who complain about mismanagement in government, and who complain about corruption in government, or who complain about political interference. The NDP majority turned down this amendment – and I wonder why!

I proposed that protection be given to whistleblowers who complain to Ministers of the Crown and other MLA’s including opposition MLA’s when complaints are made about mismanagement, corruption and political interference in government. The NDP majority turned down this amendment, preferring to be able to fire employees who expose government mismanagement, corruption, or political interference!

I proposed an amendment to the Legislation to allow whistleblowers protection when alleging government mismanagement, corruption and political interference to the media, whether it be print, television or radio. The NDP majority defeated this amendment, preferring instead to muzzle whistleblowers who, go to the media!