Canada’s Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, Harriet Solloway, has urgently called upon the federal government for increased funding to address a growing crisis within the nation’s whistle-blowing framework. In a recent correspondence to Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, Solloway revealed that her office is struggling under the weight of unprecedented allegations of misconduct and reprisals against whistleblowers, which threatens the efficacy of their investigative mandate.
Urgent Funding Appeal
In her letter, Solloway requested a one-off allocation of £6.7 million, along with an annual increase of approximately £14.3 million to sustain her office’s operations. She emphasised that without these resources, her team will be unable to effectively manage the rising tide of allegations from public servants who report wrongdoing or suffer retaliation for their disclosures.
“The current situation is untenable,” Solloway stated. “We are experiencing an overwhelming influx of reports, and our existing resources have not kept pace, leading to extensive delays in investigations.” Such delays not only impede the investigative process but also compromise the integrity of witness testimonies and the preservation of evidence.
Alarming Statistics
The figures surrounding complaints received by the office highlight the gravity of the situation. In 2025, the office received 638 submissions, a significant rise from 419 in 2024 and 313 in 2023. The office initiated 37 investigations in 2025, which is an increase from 24 the previous year. However, the backlog of unresolved cases has hampered the timely completion of investigations, with only 17 cases concluded in 2025 compared to 26 in 2022.
Solloway expressed concerns that the increasing workload is unsustainable and risks leaving many allegations unexamined. “If we cannot address these complaints promptly, there is a significant risk that some may never be investigated,” she warned.
The Impact of Delays
The consequences of a sluggish investigatory process are profound. Solloway explained that delays can lead to the erosion of critical evidence and the potential for ongoing misconduct to continue unchecked. “This situation undermines public confidence in the federal public sector and diminishes any deterrent effect that a robust whistle-blowing regime is supposed to provide,” she said, underscoring the need for immediate action from the government.
Moreover, Solloway noted that many submissions her office receives may not fall under their jurisdiction, complicating their ability to process complaints efficiently. The increase in complex cases, often involving multiple allegations, adds to the strain on an already stretched team.
Why it Matters
The integrity of Canada’s public sector hinges on the ability of whistle-blowers to report wrongdoing without fear of retribution. An adequately funded Public Sector Integrity office is essential not only for the protection of those who expose malpractice but also for fostering a culture of accountability within the government. If the current funding crisis remains unaddressed, the erosion of public trust and the potential for unchecked misconduct could have far-reaching consequences for governance in Canada.
