In today’s update there is something of precedent – or perhaps just a one-off. A federal bureaucrat who was fired under a false pretext won $1.4 million in a decision made by the Public Service Labour Relations Board. This is a decision that stands out not just for its size but because it’s so uncommon for any federal government employee unjustly fired or poorly treated to get any kind of redress. Because of the danger that it might set a precedent, I predict the government will appeal and fight this tooth and nail.
In other news, bad girl and bad boy Helena Geurgis and her husband, Rahim Jafar, have been cleared of any potential criminal charges. Translation: The RCMP knew that with the mushy laws and precedents like the one set in the Larry O’Brien case (Ottawa’s mayor, accused and acquitted of corruption), nothing would stick. From that perspective it’s a good call, because why waste taxpayers money? From the ethical and trust perspectives, it’s unlikely the couple will ever be cleared by the Conservative Party or the public.
Also in Ottawa, the head of Statistics Canada has resigned in protest over the government’s moves to make the census voluntary. This move is being applauded by politicians and many other groups as refreshing in a bureaucratic culture where self-advancement seems to be the prevailing motivation at the top.
Finally, there’s a great article about Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in The New Yorker. Wikileaks has been able to return to full operations and remains a thorn in the side of governments worldwide. Good on him.
Have a good weekend.
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Former Federal Public Servant Wins Landmark Award
Helena Guergis Cleared by RCMP
Head of StatsCan Resigns on Point of Principle
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Former Federal Public Servant Wins Landmark Award
Former public servant wins $1.4-million in dismissal case
Globe and Mail, July 20, 2010
Summary: Doug Tipple spent months exceeding expectations at his budget-slashing job with Public Works Canada when suddenly and without warning he was jobless, his reputation in tatters. Adding to that, the federal government was doing nothing to counter the news stories that preceded his dismissal nor did it permit Mr. Tipple or anyone else to provide any information about the initial allegations. For that inaction, and for the four years of “low self esteem, humiliation, stress, anxiety, and a feeling of betrayal” that followed, the Public Service Labour Relations Board has ordered the Conservative government to pay the former executive nearly $1.4-million in damages.
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Helena Guergis Cleared by RCMP
RCMP clears Helena Guergis and Rahim Jaffer
Globe and Mail, July 21, 2010
Summary: The RCMP has cleared both independent MP Helena Guergis and her husband, Rahim Jaffer, of allegations of criminal wrongdoing leveled against them this year, according to the couple’s lawyers.
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Head of StatsCan Resigns on Point of Principle
Top statistician quits over census
CNews, July 21, 2010
Summary: The head of Statistics Canada has quit, saying a voluntary census can’t replace a mandatory one.
What Munir’s Resignation means to Public Servants
eaves.ca, July 22, 2010
Summary: An examination of the significance of a Deputy Minister’s resignation on a point of principle, from the viewpoint of an anonymous public servant. (Blog posting)
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Wikileaks In the Spotlight
Wikileaks Turns Submissions Engine Back On
PCWorld, July 20, 2010
Summary: Wikileaks has turned back on its system that allows whistleblowers to securely submit documents to the site after it was down for maintenance, according to the organization’s blog.
No Secrets: Julian Assange’s mission for total transparency
The New Yorker, June 7, 2010
Summary: An in-depth article on Julian Assange, the founder of the Internet whistleblowing site, Wikileaks.
