A newly released report from Immigration, Citizenship and Refugee Canada (IRCC) has uncovered a range of misconduct and wrongdoing cases within the department, including gross mismanagement, harassment, and fraud. The report, covering the 2024-2025 fiscal year, details 105 founded cases of misconduct, resulting in several terminations and disciplinary actions.
Key Findings of the Report
The report highlights several serious incidents, including an executive who engaged in "gross mismanagement" by giving preferential treatment to a romantic partner. Another executive attempted to hire a niece, while an employee was found to be holding down another full-time job within the public service. Other cases ranged from calling in sick to attend a conference to blogging as a self-identified Canadian diplomat, where the employee expressed political views and discussed aspects of their work at the embassy, including private conversations with embassy staff and views on the country's people and government.
Categories of Misconduct
IRCC reported one founded case of fraud and financial misconduct; 22 cases of harassment, violence, and disrespectful behaviors; and eight breaches of values and ethics codes. There were also 56 cases of administrative misconduct, 13 violations of the department's directive on the use of networks and devices, two personnel security violations, and three staffing complaints. Additional cases included racism, sexual harassment, claiming overtime not worked, and employees providing false references in a staffing process that led to an acting opportunity elsewhere in government.
Disciplinary Actions
Three employees at IRCC lost their jobs, another was removed from a staffing pool, and an executive voluntarily left the public service before disciplinary action could occur. Dozens of other disciplinary measures ranged from written reprimands to suspensions to forcing the recovery of funds to the federal government over time theft.
Deputy Minister's Statement
Ted Gallivan, deputy minister at IRCC, wrote at the beginning of the report that "some level" of wrongdoing will occur in an organization of more than 10,000 employees. He emphasized the importance of reporting such matters, stating, "Reporting such matters is essential, as we are committed to reviewing all allegations of perceived misconduct or wrongdoing through thorough review and investigation, and to taking administrative action when warranted." Gallivan also noted that IRCC established an ombuds office where employees can raise workplace concerns without fear of reprisal. "The Ombuds Office supports employees in exploring options and navigating available resources to help resolve workplace issues," he added.
Transparency Efforts
IRCC could not be immediately reached for comment. In recent years, several departments have released misconduct and wrongdoing reports, aiming to increase transparency and accountability within federal departments. The reports follow a renewed focus on values and ethics in recent years within the federal public service.
