Speak Up! Whistleblower Protections in the Canadian Workplace
This course equips all Canadian workplace staff with the knowledge to identify wrongdoing, understand their legal protections under federal and provincial law, and confidently use internal and external reporting channels — helping build a culture of accountability and integrity.
Whistleblowing is a vital safeguard for organisational integrity, public safety, and the rule of law. In Canada, a robust framework of federal legislation — including the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA) and section 425.1 of the Criminal Code — exists to protect individuals who come forward to report wrongdoing. This course gives every member of staff a clear, practical understanding of what these protections mean, how they apply in their day-to-day working lives, and what steps to take if they witness misconduct.
Designed for all staff across Canadian organisations — whether in the federal public sector or private industry — this course explains the key concepts of whistleblower protection, the types of conduct that can and should be reported, and the internal and external mechanisms available to reporters. It also addresses the serious consequences that employers face if they retaliate against those who speak up, and the supports available to anyone who experiences such reprisals.
This course is the all-staff module in a two-course set for Canada. It builds a foundation of awareness and confidence so that every employee understands their rights and responsibilities. A companion course for managers and compliance professionals provides deeper guidance on investigation procedures, governance obligations, and program design. By completing this course, you will be better prepared to contribute to a workplace culture where integrity is valued and speaking up is safe.
Course content
1. Module 1: Why Speaking Up Matters
- Lesson 1.1: The Importance of Whistleblowing in Canadian Workplaces
- Lesson 1.2: Understanding Wrongdoing — What Can Be Reported?
2. Module 2: The Legal Framework — Key Canadian Legislation
- Lesson 2.1: The Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA)
- Lesson 2.2: Criminal Code Section 425.1 and Other Legal Protections
3. Module 3: How to Make a Disclosure
- Lesson 3.1: Internal Reporting — Your First Step
- Lesson 3.2: External Reporting — Regulators and Independent Bodies
4. Module 4: Protections Against Reprisal
- Lesson 4.1: Recognising and Responding to Reprisal
5. Module 5: Your Responsibilities and the Culture of Integrity
- Lesson 5.1: Your Role in an Ethical Workplace
- Lesson 5.2: Building a Speak-Up Culture
6. Module 6: Practical Scenarios and Decision-Making
- Lesson 6.1: Applying the Framework — Worked Examples
7. Final Assessment
- Final Assessment
- 11 lessons
- Pass mark: 80%
- Completion certificate
You'll need a learner account to enrol.
Pay for 2–500 seats in one purchase. You'll receive an access code to share with your team.
Total: $495.00 + GST
Completion requirements
- Lessons and modules must be completed in order — each unlocks when the previous one is finished.
- Quizzes must be passed (pass mark 80%).
- Your certificate is issued automatically when every lesson is complete.
Unlock this course for free with a code from your organisation.