The Public Sector Integrity Commissioner’s office is facing a significant workload challenge, citing the need for additional analysts and lawyers to address the backlog of cases. The office is responsible for investigating complaints from public servants alleging misconduct or facing retaliation for whistleblowing activities.
Commissioner Harriet Solloway revealed that the office has received a total of 380 submissions this year, comprising 78 reprisal claims and 302 reports of wrongdoing. These cases involve a range of issues such as abuse of power, toxic work environments, discrimination, and financial mismanagement.
Solloway emphasized that many submissions do not align with the office’s mandate, with most containing multiple allegations. Only a small percentage of findings of misconduct lead to reports presented to Parliament. The office has seen a significant increase in general inquiries, with 416 received in 2025 compared to 526 in the entirety of 2024.
Currently, there are 220 pending files awaiting analysis, some dating back 15 months. In June alone, the office analyzed 56 submissions while receiving 68 new ones, marking the highest monthly submission rate on record. Solloway expressed concern that some allegations may not be addressed promptly due to resource constraints.
The surge in submissions is attributed to heightened awareness of the office and increased trust in the federal whistleblowing system. Despite the increased workload, Solloway clarified that there is no evidence of a rise in misconduct within the federal public sector. Presently, there are 62 active or pending files assigned to investigators, with the complexity of cases impacting the duration of investigations.
Delays in the investigative process could affect witness availability and evidence quality, as well as have adverse effects on whistleblowers and accused individuals awaiting resolution. Solloway stressed the importance of adequate resources to ensure accountability, protect whistleblowers, and maintain public trust within the office’s operations.