Reference Number: PSDPA2021-0047
Organization: Global Affairs Canada
File Identification Number: PSDPA2021-0047
File Identification Date: 2022-02-21
Findings and Conclusions: a misuse of public funds or a public asset; 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 (PSDPA) alleging wrongdoing under section 8 (b) a misuse of public funds or a public asset and (e) a serious breach of a Code of Conduct. The investigation concluded that an employee in one of Canada’s Missions abroad unlawfully purchased and misappropriated electrical materials for their own benefit, thereby causing a loss of funds to the Crown. The employee intentionally abused their manager's trust by giving them false explanations in order to convince them that the merchandise purchased was or would be used to perform the tasks assigned to them on a daily basis. After abusing the trust of their manager, the employee misused public property by unlawfully selling the Crown-owned electrical materials for their own benefit.The investigation determined that the employee committed wrongdoing pursuant to paragraphs 8 (b) and (e) of the Act; that being a misuse of public funds or a public asset and a serious breach of a code of conduct.
Recommendations and Corrective Measures: The employee confessed to the wrongdoing and their employment was terminated as a result. Following the investigation, the Senior Officer for Internal Disclosure (SOID) recommended that the delegated manager liaise with legal services regarding potential civil action against the employee. Furthermore, the SOID recommended Canada’s Mission abroad strengthen controls over materials procurement processes in accordance with the best practices in place within the department. The corrective measures are being taken accordingly.