City council will get an update next week on the city's whistleblower hotline, which has attracted 42 complaints since it began operating June 1.
While most of the complaints have been dealt with, there are still five active cases, including one involving the mayor's office, one involving a city contractor and three involving municipal staff.
“Greater Sudbury opened its ‘wrongdoing hotline’ for residents, employees and other stakeholders to report suspected instances of wrongdoing,” writes Auditor General Ron Foster in his report. “The hotline allows complaints to be filed anonymously through an independent external call centre or online in either official language.”
Not surprising, the highest number of complaints came in June, when the line began operating, with 19 complaints. There were five in July, eight in August and 10 in September. Three of the five active complaints were received in September.
The hotline is a confidential service that allows citizens, employees and contractors to submit reports through a secure online form at www.sudburycomplaints.ca or through an impartial service provider at 705-688-7588.
Wrongdoing is defined as any kind of activity that could be deemed illegal, dishonest and wasteful of municipal resources or a deliberate violation of city policy. It includes theft, fraud or abuse of position or authority within municipal government.
Complaints may be filed regarding City of Greater Sudbury employees, management, contractors, Mayor, Members of Council and political office staff.
Agencies, boards and wholly-owned corporations of the city are exempt from the hotline and must be contacted directly.
Each complaint is assigned a case number and a password, so complainants can follow the progress of the investigation or submit further information. Whistleblower policy also offers protection to Greater Sudbury employees and contractors submitting reports to the hotline.
Foster's report will go to the audit committee Nov. 15 at 4 p.m.
