Reference Number: PSDPA-2021-0010
Organization: Global Affairs Canada
File Identification Number: PSDPA-2021-0010
File Identification Date: 2021-06-04
Findings and Conclusions: an act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment, other than a danger that is inherent in the performance of the duties or functions of a public servant; a serious breach of a code of conduct established under section 5 or 6
Case Description: The Global Affairs Canada Senior Officer for Internal Disclosure (SOID) received a disclosure of wrongdoing under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act. An investigation determined that an employee had committed wrongdoing pursuant to paragraphs 8.d) and e) of the Act; that being, an act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons and a serious breach of a code of conduct. The investigation found that the employee behaved inappropriately, made inappropriate comments, bullied and harassed his subordinates. The investigation also found that this employee engaged in repeated unwanted touching and aggressive romantic pursuit of female personnel while they were on duty. These actions constitute a serious breach of the Departmental Value and Ethics Code as it relates to the values of Respect for people and Integrity.
Recommendations and Corrective Measures: The employee is no longer working for Global Affairs Canada. The Department also took actions to restore the work environment within the affected group and provided outreach and assistance to those who were affected by the actions of the former employee.