Ioannoni shows support for whistleblowers
Councillor calling on peers to back Fort Erie council resolution
Niagara Falls city Coun. Carolynn Ioannoni wants her municipality and others in the region to follow the lead of the Town of Fort Erie when it comes to protecting whistleblowers.
In July, Fort Erie council passed a resolution directing its staff to prepare a report with respect to a whistleblowing policy for the town.
The resolution calls for Fort Erie’s position to be circulated to Niagara Regional council, all 12 municipal councils in Niagara, and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board of directors for their endorsement and support.
The resolution is included in tonight’s Niagara Falls council agenda, with a recommendation that it be referred to staff for a report.
“I’d like to see all municipalities in the region have the same policy,” said Ioannoni.
“I think that employees — even council members — should be aware of what is available to us. A lot of employees don’t know what protection there is for them.”
In its resolution, the Town of Fort Erie states it “fully” supports whistleblowing and is “committed” to protecting whistleblowers, the “important” information they provide and the “integrity” of the whistleblowing processes.
“All persons who are considering reporting their concerns in good faith can be assured that their concerns will be taken seriously, their identity will be protected and, as an employee of our municipality, that they will be protected from detrimental treatment, retaliation or employment harassment.”
The resolution — which was introduced through a motion by Ward 2 Coun. Nick Dubanow — states the town has policies to ensure it is accountable to the public for its actions and that its actions are transparent.
“Whistleblowing by employees in local governments can bring critical knowledge about misconduct and failed policy outcomes and priorities to the attention of politicians and/or the public.”
The resolution states the provincial government, as well as other municipalities and agencies in Ontario, have policies and/or legislation in place that provide legal protection from discriminatory or disciplinary action for employees who disclose wrongdoing of any kind in the context of their workplace in good faith and to a competent authority.
Voters in Niagara “sent a strong message” in the October municipal election for the “need” for accountability and transparency in the way local governance is conducted, reads the report.
“It is always desirable to build upon and enhance existing policies that further strengthen public trust in the accountability and transparency of the way their local government functions.”
Ioannoni said Niagara Falls council has a code of conduct for staff and council but has not dealt specifically with whistleblowing.
“I just think it’s important for openness, transparency and accountability (to have such a policy),” she said.
“Having watched the last four years of politics across the region, we saw a lot of people trying to say what’s going on and then to find out afterwards that they were let go or they were reprimanded. I really think that we have to have something that’s on the books.”