Note:

The SDO is  currently operating under reduced capacity, and we apologize for longer-than-usual wait times for initial responses and appointments.

If you have any questions, concerns or hesitations about anonymity and/or confidentiality, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to speak with an advisor before disclosing any information. 

What is the Safe Disclosure Office?

The Safe Disclosure Office is a resource for ALL employees where they can have their respectful workplace concerns heard, or seek tools and information. 

All employees, including supervisors, people leaders, and management are welcome to contact the SDO for information about the processes, tools and supports available to create and maintain a respectful workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. The SDO will only discuss individual files or concerns with the reporter who brought it forward.

When the SDO hears a concern, it is assessed based on the Respectful Workplace Administrative Policy, and can be directed to an appropriate party within City Administration for action.

The Safe Disclosure Office does not act as an advocate, conduct investigations, or substantiate allegations.

What is the Respectful Workplace Administrative Policy?

The Respectful Workplace Administrative Policy is a document that outlines what the City expects of its employees to create and maintain a respectful workplace. It lists your responsibilities and explains your right to work in an environment where you can do your best work. It also defines what the spectrum of respectful workplace behaviour can look like for City employees. This can include discrimination, and harassment as defined by the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

To book an appointment with the Safe Disclosure Office:

Phone: 1-844-298-6782
Email: questions@safedisclosure.ca
Website: www.safedisclosure.ca

When should I contact the Safe Disclosure Office?

You are encouraged to talk to the person with whom you have a concern, or with your supervisor. You are not obligated to contact the Safe Disclosure Office.

You may decide to contact the Safe Disclosure Office:

• if you have questions about respect in the workplace, harassment, discrimination
• if you have a concern about respect in the workplace, harassment, discrimination
• if you witness problematic behaviour in the workplace and you are not sure how to approach it
• if you want information on the process to address a respectful workplace concern
• if you are not able to speak with the individual or your supervisor about your concern.

You do not need to have experienced inappropriate behaviour to contact the SDO. The SDO is a resource that can help ALL employees with understanding:

• your duty to report harassment
• what is considered a "report" of behaviour that may be out of alignment with the Respectful Workplace Policy
• navigating disclosures you receive from those you lead, or from your colleagues
• discrimination in the workplace, based on the protected grounds of human rights
• the tools and supports available to:
  • contribute to and maintain a respectful workplace free from harassment and discrimination
  • address respectful workplace concerns

Do you take walk-ins?

We require that you schedule an appointment before visiting our facility. Your privacy and comfort are extremely important to us, and we want to ensure that we have dedicated time to discuss your concerns.  By scheduling an appointment, we can ensure that your privacy remains intact and that you won't be disturbed during your consultation.

Can I trust the Safe Disclosure Office to keep my concern confidential?

The following applies to all information that is revealed - whether through a formal or casual conversation, in writing, over the phone, in a voicemail, in an email, etc.

When information triggers a legal obligation for it to be shared with City Administration, the identity of the person who revealed the information is included. This is a legal requirement - not an internal policy or practice.

Whether it's being shared because of a legal obligation or not, information is always shared with City Administration confidentially. That means the information is only shared with those in City Administration who need it in order to address or respond to it, or with those who are entitled to it (such as a respondent - the person who a complaint is about). 

There is a legal obligation to share with City Administration information that reveals any of the following :

• exploitation of minors
• imminent harm to a person, or violence
• harassment as defined in the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act

If you have any questions, concerns or hesitations about anonymity and/or confidentiality, please make an appointment to speak with an advisor before revealing any information. An advisor will be happy to have a conversation with you and answer any questions you have.

Is my Union or Association aware of the Safe Disclosure Office?

Yes. There were multiple conversations with Union and Association leaders about the Safe Disclosure Office and how to ensure it provides a neutral and confidential space for employees to discuss their respectful workplace concerns.

You may choose to have your Union or Association involved. If you do, you are responsible for making the arrangements for their involvement.

Does the Safe Disclosure Office tell my Union or Association if I share a concern or if someone discusses a concern about me?

No. The Safe Disclosure Office will not share information with your union or association representative.

What happens when I meet with the Safe Disclosure Office?

The Safe Disclosure Office advisor will start by providing you with all the information you need to understand the process and their role. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the process. This will help you to make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed with your disclosure. 

If the conversation proceeds, the advisor may start by asking for your employment information, like your employee ID number and the section you work in, to ensure they have all the necessary details. Then, they will ask you to share your concerns. During this conversation the advisor will ask questions to ensure they fully understand your concern, and so they can provide the best support possible. 

After your meeting the advisor will follow up with you to share next steps (usually within a couple of business days, and usually by email). If needed, they might also suggest additional resources or supports.

What protection do I have against retaliation?

If you feel you are being retaliated against because you brought forward a Respectful Workplace concern, please report it to the Safe Disclosure Office.

Will my supervisor find out if I contacted the Safe Disclosure Office?

The SDO does not inform your supervisor if you contact or meet with the SDO. If you share a concern with the SDO that is forwarded, City Administration will determine if there is anything that your supervisor is to be informed about.

If you have any questions, concerns or hesitations about anonymity and/or confidentiality, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to speak with an advisor before disclosing any information. 

Can I discuss a concern with the Safe Disclosure Office outside of regular business hours?

The Safe Disclosure Office sets appointments for Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. In extenuating circumstances, they may be able to meet at another time and/or location. 

Can I use work time to contact or visit the Safe Disclosure Office?

Yes. You are required to arrange for the time away with your Supervisor and keep operational needs in mind. 

What is the difference between the Fraud and Misconduct Line and the Safe Disclosure Office?

The Fraud and Misconduct Line is to report potential breaches of the City’s Code of Conduct.  Concerns about a respectful workplace should be directed to the Safe Disclosure Office. 

If you’re not sure, please make an appointment to speak to an advisor who will be able to guide you.

What other resources are available to support me?

Resources you can contact for support are:

• TELUS Health: 1-855-789-7289
• City of Edmonton On Call Chaplains: 780-920-8032
• Your Union or Association representative (see contacts below)

What if the behaviour that I report does not fall within the scope of the Respectful Workplace Policy?

If it appears that your concern is not covered under the Respectful Workplace Policy, the advisor will identify other resources that may be suitable.

If you’re not sure, please make an appointment to speak to an advisor who will be able to guide you.

What if I see others not complying with the Respectful Workplace Administrative Policy? Do I have to report it?

There are a variety of options:

• if you feel comfortable, let the person know, in a respectful way, that their behaviour is inappropriate and is not welcome;
• let the people experiencing the behaviour know that they can talk to the Safe Disclosure Office;
• talk to your Supervisor;
• talk to your Union or Association

If you’re not sure, please make an appointment to speak to an advisor who will be able to guide you.

Can I send mail to the Safe Disclosure Office?

If you intend to send letter mail to the Safe Disclosure Office, please inform us by phone or email to ensure timely and confidential collection.

Protection of Privacy Act

Personal information is collected for the purpose of the Safe Disclosure Office and will be used for action/decision/analysis. Collection is authorized under section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and is managed and protected in accordance with the Act. For questions about the collection, please contact the Safe Disclosure Office Lead at 1-844-298-6782, and questions@safedisclosure.ca.

What if I am being harassed by or experiencing discrimination from the public?

The Connected City Program provides tools and support for City of Edmonton employees who interact with the public, whereas the Safe Disclosure Office can support you in regards to concerns between employees.

If you’re not sure, please make an appointment to speak to an advisor who will be able to guide you.