Reference Number: PSDPA2021-0038
Organization: Global Affairs Canada
File Identification Number: PSDPA2021-0038
File Identification Date: 2021-12-23
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 conducted an auction for four (4) mission vehicles and sold them for significantly less than market value. It was determined that the employee sold two (2) of the vehicles to their brother and the other two (2) to contractors with which they had a close relationship that was not disclosed to the Mission. Moreover, the employee manipulated several bidding processes for Mission contracts that they were responsible for managing and coordinating by fabricating documents and colluding with the different contracting companies. They also never declared their interest in the companies, for one of which they were a director. The investigation also concluded that another employee was complicit in the manipulation of the bidding process for some of the Mission contracts. The investigation determined that the first employee committed wrongdoing as described in paragraph 8 (b), that being a misuse of public funds or a public asset; and that both employees committed wrongdoing as described in paragraph 8 (e), that being a serious breach of a Code of Conduct. Both employees were placed on administrative leave without pay pending investigation following their interview, as evidence indicated they posed a risk to the Mission’s assets, as well as a breach of the employer’s trust.
Recommendations and Corrective Measures: The Senior Officer for Internal Disclosure (SOID) recommended that a disciplinary process be conducted to address the founded wrongdoings. The SOID also recommended that the Mission cease all contracts with the companies mentioned in the investigation report, and that guidance be provided to the Mission on detecting misrepresentation and deceitful practices in contracting processes. As a result of the investigation, the employment of both employees was terminated.