What action will be taken against an organization or individual that carries out reprisal?

The measures vary according to the recourse or investigations underway.

• If recourse is exercised before a judicial or administrative tribunal, the tribunal determines the appropriate measures in the situation at hand.
• If we conduct an administrative investigation and conclude that the person has suffered reprisal, we recommend corrective action. We then turn to the highest authority in the public body concerned. If the circumstances warrant it, we turn to the minister responsible for the public body in question.
• If we are investigating a possible breach of the law and consider that the evidence gathered is sufficient, we forward the case on to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, who assesses the possibility of a criminal prosecution. Anyone found guilty of reprisal is liable to a fine of between $5,000 and $30,000. Fines can range from $15,000 to $250,000 for companies, associations and other legal entities. Fines are doubled for repeat offences. 

See the Handling reprisal complaints section for further information.