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1996
- The Task Force on Public Service Values and Ethics, led by the late John Tait, releases its report, A Strong Foundation (PDF document, 2.62 MB). The report recommends that the Government adopt a statement of principles or a code that includes a strong disclosure mechanism to enable public servants to voice concerns about actions that are potentially illegal, unethical or inconsistent with public service values, and to have these concerns acted upon in a fair and impartial manner.
2001
- The Treasury Board Secretariat adopts the Policy on the Internal Disclosure of Information Concerning Wrongdoing in the Workplace. The Policy: (1) requires that deputy heads establish internal mechanisms for the disclosure of information concerning wrongdoing within their organization (designation of a senior officer); (2) establishes a government-wide review mechanism outside departmental processes (establishment of the Public Service Integrity Office); and (3) prohibits reprisals against employees who make disclosures in good faith.
2003
- The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service (PDF document, 211 KB) comes into effect. The Code becomes a condition of employment.
- The Public Service Integrity Officer, Dr. Edward W. Keyserlingk, tables his first annual report (PDF document, 1.50 MB) in Parliament. The report recommends the establishment of a legislative framework for the disclosure of wrongdoing in the federal public service.
- The Auditor General publishes her annual report in November. The report supports the establishment of a legislative framework for the disclosure of wrongdoing in the federal public service Chapter 2 – Accountability and Ethics in Government, (PDF document, 375 KB).
- The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates publishes a report entitled Study of the Disclosure of Wrongdoing (Whistleblowing). The report recommends the enactment of legislation to facilitate the disclosure of wrongdoing by public servants and to protect them from reprisals.
2004
- In March, the government introduces Bill C‑25 (Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act). The Bill dies on the Order Paper when the election is called.
- The government introduces Bill C-11 (Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act) in October.
2005
- The Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act receives Royal Assent on November 25, but does not come into force.
2006
- The government introduces Bill C-2 (Federal Accountability Act) as part of its agenda to strengthen accountability and enhance public trust and confidence in the integrity of public servants. The Federal Accountability Act receives Royal Assent on December 12. It amends several existing statutes, including the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.
2007
- The Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, as amended by the Federal Accountability Act, comes into force on April 15. This Act provides for the establishment of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal.
