Item - 2021.AU9.15

The Audit Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council receive the report (June 30, 2021) from the Auditor General for information.

This report provides the results of an investigation into an allegation of reprisal from a former City of Toronto employee whose position was terminated. The former employee claimed the termination of their employment was reprisal by management for disclosing billing concerns and potential conflicts of interest between a Director and vendors.

In accordance with the Toronto Public Service Bylaw, Chapter 192, the Auditor General's Office (AGO) has the responsibility to investigate reprisal, in consultation with the City Manager or designate. Reprisal investigations are complex. Termination is one of the most severe types of reprisal, and therefore the Auditor General initiated an investigation into the allegations.

Under the City of Toronto Act, the Auditor General is also responsible for assisting city council in holding itself and city administrators accountable for the quality of stewardship over public funds and for achievement of value for money in city operations. Ensuring that employees can come forward in a safe environment to report potential wrongdoing is a key internal control that helps to safeguard City assets and ensure value for money.

The Auditor General has concluded that there is insufficient evidence found to substantiate that the former employee was the subject of reprisal for reporting concerns of potential wrongdoing during the course of their employment or for raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Therefore no further action is recommended with respect to the alleged reprisal.