Challenge Question
How can we change public perceptions around whistleblowers so that their critical messages can be heard and acted upon without the messengers becoming the target?
Partner: Centre for Free Expression
Project Summary
Canadian society relies upon many pillars, including the rule of law and a free press. Sometimes crucial information for these pillars comes from Canadian workers who have seen or become aware of wrongdoing, but when they speak up in the public interest they are often vilified, fired, and suffer retaliation, including financial ruin and health issues. Taking the example of the deaths of seniors in our long-term care facilities, which account for 81% of the 8,569 COVID-19 deaths in Canada, what could we have done to help workers in this industry come forward safely and sound the alarm? This project aims to change public perceptions around whistleblowers so that their critical messages can be heard and acted upon without the messengers becoming the target. Applicants might have interest and background in business or legal policy, public relations, social sciences and advocacy, mental health, and communication.
Sustainable Development Goals
Partner Video
Organizational Profile
The CFE Whistleblowing Initiative is a project of the Centre for Free Expression at Ryerson University. Our mission is to protect Canadian society by making responsible whistleblowing possible through effective protection for Canadian whistleblowers. This will enable Canadians to live and work with integrity and to combat misconduct that may threaten the well-being of our communities and our democracy. Our primary goals are to facilitate adoption of best-in-class whistleblowing laws federally and provincially; encourage adoption of effective organizational whistleblower protection policy and procedures in both public and private sectors; provide advice to support public-interest whistleblowers; undertake education and research regarding implementation, operation, and improvement of whistleblowing systems; and bring about a cultural change in Canada such that whistleblowers are valued and whistleblowing is considered an honourable activity.
Partner Website
Learn more about the kind of work the project partner does by browsing their website.
Challenge Question
How can we change public perceptions around whistleblowers so that their critical messages can be heard and acted upon without the messengers becoming the target?
Partner: Centre for Free Expression
Project Summary
Canadian society relies upon many pillars, including the rule of law and a free press. Sometimes crucial information for these pillars comes from Canadian workers who have seen or become aware of wrongdoing, but when they speak up in the public interest they are often vilified, fired, and suffer retaliation, including financial ruin and health issues. Taking the example of the deaths of seniors in our long-term care facilities, which account for 81% of the 8,569 COVID-19 deaths in Canada, what could we have done to help workers in this industry come forward safely and sound the alarm? This project aims to change public perceptions around whistleblowers so that their critical messages can be heard and acted upon without the messengers becoming the target. Applicants might have interest and background in business or legal policy, public relations, social sciences and advocacy, mental health, and communication.
Sustainable Development Goals
Partner Video
Organizational Profile
The CFE Whistleblowing Initiative is a project of the Centre for Free Expression at Ryerson University. Our mission is to protect Canadian society by making responsible whistleblowing possible through effective protection for Canadian whistleblowers. This will enable Canadians to live and work with integrity and to combat misconduct that may threaten the well-being of our communities and our democracy. Our primary goals are to facilitate adoption of best-in-class whistleblowing laws federally and provincially; encourage adoption of effective organizational whistleblower protection policy and procedures in both public and private sectors; provide advice to support public-interest whistleblowers; undertake education and research regarding implementation, operation, and improvement of whistleblowing systems; and bring about a cultural change in Canada such that whistleblowers are valued and whistleblowing is considered an honourable activity.
Partner Website
Learn more about the kind of work the project partner does by browsing their website.
Key Words
- Social Justice
- Whistleblowing
- Business Ethics
- Employee Rights