Empower employees to report misconduct safely while mastering legal protections, preventing workplace reprisals, and driving true corporate accountability.
Whistleblowers play a vital role in identifying misconduct, strengthening governance, and promoting ethical workplace cultures. However, fear of retaliation, ineffective reporting processes, and organisational barriers can discourage employees from speaking up, exposing organisations to legal, operational, and reputational risks.
This practical course explores whistleblower protections in Canada, examining the legal frameworks, organisational responsibilities, and governance practices that support effective reporting and safeguard against reprisals. Through real-world examples and best practices, participants will gain practical strategies for fostering a speak-up culture, strengthening internal reporting systems, and enhancing organisational accountability.
Key Topics Discussed:
Founding Director & President | Whistleblowing Canada
Pamela Forward is a workplace mediator, researcher and founding Director of Whistleblowing Canada. A graduate of Carleton University (BA Political Science, Graduate Studies in Conflict Resolution, MA Legal Studies) and a former registered nurse, Pamela has had a varied career in business, health care and government (federal public service and advisor to federal cabinet Ministers). Over the years, much of her work has been with people in conflict and crisis situations. As well, she has coached new mediators in Carleton University’s, Department of Law- Conflict Resolution Program, and law students in the University of Ottawa, Department of Law. Pamela’s experience includes both management and advisory positions at the national and international levels. She has been active in professional organizations, community organizations, and political organizations throughout her career which included running as a Candidate for a seat in Ontario's legislature. Her interest in whistleblowing advocacy began in the 1990’s when she joined with others to support whistleblowers in the Federal Public Service. Her 2017 in-depth, qualitative case study on whistleblowing and drug safety issues at Health Canada, a federal department, was aimed at better understanding why reprisals occur. The study highlighted many system flaws facilitating reprisals for whistleblowers and impunity for wrongdoers such as lack of effective whistleblower protection legislation, dysfunctional organizational culture, dysfunctional political culture and a surprise finding - protective laws will not be properly upheld if introduced into unwelcoming, hostile cultures. This blend of knowledge and experience has stimulated an abiding interest in supporting conflict-friendly, ethical and accountable organizations and inspired the founding of Whistleblowing Canada Research Society. A native Newfoundlander, Pamela has traveled extensively, particularly in the Middle and Far East and has lived in Spain.
