You can file a complaint if you believe you have experienced reprisal or threat of reprisal.
The Act respecting protection against reprisals related to the disclosure of wrongdoings prohibits reprisal and threat of reprisals, especially if:
- You have disclosed a wrongdoing to the Protecteur du citoyen or to the Commission municipale du Québec;
- You have cooperated in an audit or investigation related to a disclosure or a reprisal complaint;
- You have provided information about a wrongdoing to a person (manager, co-worker, etc.) within the public body where you work;
- You have advised or encouraged someone to make a disclosure or shown them how to do so;
- You have a personal or family relationship with someone who has made a disclosure.
Do you think you have experienced reprisal or threat of reprisal? Are you under pressure not to make a disclosure or cooperate in an investigation?
You must file a complaint to the Protecteur du citoyen without delay.
MAKE A REPRISAL COMPLAINT
- By phone: 1-800-463-5070
Our telephone services are available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
You cannot file a complaint by yourself? A family member, a friend or an organization can do it for you if you fill out the Power of Attorney form (PDF, 544 Ko).
Fines
Reprisal is an offence. Anyone found guilty is liable to a fine ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. The fine can reach $15,000 to $250,000 for government corporations. These fines are doubled for repeat offences.
Anyone who hinders or tries to hinder the Protecteur du citoyen commits an offence. The same holds true for people who refuse to provide information or a document useful for an investigation, or hide or destroy it even if it would be useful for an audit or investigation. The fines range from $5,000 to $30,000. They are doubled for repeat offences.
If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us. We will help you free of charge throughout the process or refer you to the appropriate recourse as needed.
