Labour group wants Alberta whistleblower law to apply to private sector workers – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
Feb 12, 2016 

EDMONTON _ The Alberta Federation of Labour says the province’s whistleblower law should protect all workers regardless of whether they are in the public or private sector.

Federation president Gil McGowan has told a committee reviewing the Public Interest Disclosure Act that it should also be easier for employees to report wrongdoing.

Amendments to the legislation are expected for the fall sitting of the legislature.

McGowan says Alberta needs to update the law and should look at jurisdictions in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom where whistleblower protection extends to the private sector.

He says many people work in potentially dangerous workplaces that could cause economic and environmental damage, such as the petrochemical industry.

The federation also wants rules that would require the Public Interest Commissioner to report any disclosures and stiff penalties for employers who conduct reprisals against whistleblowers.

INDEX: LABOUR POLITICS