REGINA, Sask. — Saskatchewan’s whistle blower protection office marks 15 years under The Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA), the law that governs how public servants can report wrongdoing.
The anniversary falls on Sept. 1, the date the legislation came into force in 2011.
“Public service is about serving everyone, with the public interest at the centre,” said Commissioner Sharon Pratchler in a media release on Sept. 1. “Public servants are closest to the day-to-day work of government. That makes them an important part of the checks an d balances that support accountability in government .”
According to the Saskatchewan Ombudsman’s website, the purpose of the Act is to promote accountability and integrity in Saskatchewan’s public sector. It established a system for public sector employees to disclose concerns about suspected wrongdoings in their places of work. It also protects public sector employees from reprisals if they make a disclosure of wrongdoing or seek advice under the Act. And it helps to ensure wrongdoings will be investigated fairly and effectively.
“If you work for an institution that falls under The Public Interest Disclosure Act and you have information that could show that a wrongdoing has been committed or is about to be committed, or that you or another employee have been asked to commit a wrongdoing, you may wish to make a disclosure,” says the website.
“If you believe you are experiencing reprisals because you have already made a disclosure, sought advice from us or your designated officer, or refused to participate in a wrongdoing, or cooperated in an investigation under the Act, you may wish to make a complaint of reprisal.”
According to the 2025 Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner Annual Report, the office received 12 inquiries under PIDA over the year, a figure that remains low compared to general ombudsman complaints. The annual report doesn’t provide case‑level descriptions of the 12 inquiries.
Throughout September, the Office of the Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner will offer drop-in sessions for public servants, creating an informal space to learn more about their rights under The Act, ask questions and access information.
“Because public servants play a vital role in government accountability, it’s important to know where to turn and what protections are available,” said the media release.
More information is available through the provincial ombudsman’s website. The Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner is a Legislative Officer operating under The Public Interest Disclosure Act.
