Alberta introduces bill to update whistleblower rules, broaden protections

The Alberta government is changing its whistleblower rules, offering more protection for those who come forward.

Bill 11 will also make clear that government members, ministers and the premier can be investigated under any whistleblowing complaint.

It’s the first major revision to the Public Interest Disclosure Act, passed by the former Progressive Conservative government in 2013.

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READ MORE: Alberta tables new legislation to protect whistleblowers

The act already sets out rules and procedures for bureaucrats who report gross mismanagement of public funds.

Bill 11 will broaden that mismanagement to include bullying and harassment.

The bill also dictates protection from reprisal begins as soon as a whistleblower comes forward — currently, protection only starts when a formal complaint is filed.