Integrity commissioner’s office struggling to keep up with whistleblowers

The Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Faces Overwhelming Workload

The Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner has recently come forward with concerns about being overwhelmed by its workload. Commissioner Harriet Solloway has stated that in order to eliminate the backlog of files, the office would require more analysts and lawyers to handle the increasing number of submissions.

The office is responsible for investigating complaints from public servants who believe they have evidence of wrongdoing or who have faced reprisals for speaking out. So far this year, the office has received 380 submissions, including 78 claims of reprisals and 302 claims of wrongdoing.

Solloway explained that the cases cover a wide range of issues, such as abuses of power, toxic workplaces, discrimination, and financial mismanagement. However, many of the submissions received do not fall within the office’s mandate, and most contain multiple allegations. Only a small percentage of findings of wrongdoing result in a report to Parliament.

The workload for the office has been steadily increasing, with 416 general inquiries received so far in 2025, compared to 526 received in all of 2024. Solloway emphasized the importance of responding to these inquiries promptly, within 48 hours.

Despite the efforts of the office, there are still 220 files awaiting analysis, some dating back 15 months. In June alone, the office analyzed 56 submissions and received 68 new ones, the highest number of monthly submissions to date. Solloway expressed concern that some allegations may never be fully investigated without additional resources.

Currently, there are 62 files assigned to investigators, with the complexity of these files impacting the length of investigations. Delays in the process can have a significant impact on witnesses and the quality of evidence, as well as on whistleblowers who may have faced reprisals.

Solloway stressed the importance of equipping the office with the necessary resources to meet the demands placed upon it, in order to ensure accountability, protect whistleblowers, and uphold public trust. The office’s work is crucial in maintaining integrity within the public sector and addressing wrongdoing effectively.