You want to report wrongdoing

Becoming a whistleblower: document without exposing yourself, choose the right disclosure channel, and guard against reprisals. Talk to a legal professional before you act.

This applies to you if you witness — at work or elsewhere — fraud, misconduct, waste of public funds, a risk to health or safety, or a serious breach of the law, and you're thinking of reporting it. Reporting calls for care: there are protected channels and rules against reprisals, but also pitfalls. Legal advice before you act can make all the difference.

The steps to follow

1. Talk to a legal professional first, in confidence
   Before disclosing anything, get confidential legal advice. A legal professional can assess whether what you observed is protected by law, which channel best protects you, and how to avoid exposing yourself to a lawsuit or dismissal. This is the most important step, and it comes before speaking to anyone else.
2. Document the facts without breaking the law
   Note what you saw, when, where and who was present. Keep documents you legitimately have access to through your work. Be careful: copying confidential data, accessing systems without authorization, or recording certain conversations can be illegal and rebound against you. This is exactly why the legal advice in the previous step is essential.
3. Choose the right protected disclosure channel
   Depending on your sector, there may be a protected disclosure mechanism: an ombudsman, an integrity commissioner, a regulatory authority or an internal program. These channels generally offer the strongest legal protection. Going public or to the media right away often protects you less — which is why it matters to know your options before acting.
4. Know your protections against reprisals
   In many contexts, the law prohibits reprisals against a person who makes a good-faith disclosure: dismissal, demotion, harassment, sanctions. If you face reprisals, keep the evidence (emails, suddenly negative reviews, changes to your duties): it will be the basis of a remedy.
5. Protect your safety and your mental health
   Whistleblowing is taxing. Limit how many people know, secure your communications, and lean on someone you trust. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911. The stress of a disclosure is real: don't hesitate to seek psychological support.
6. Get support and a referral
   You don't have to carry this alone. Organizations and legal professionals specialize in whistleblower protection and can point you to the right channel and remedy for your situation. Use our "Find help" page to be directed to a suitable resource — it's free and confidential.

Your next step

Find help and get a confidential referral

Helpful resources for this situation

• Éducaloi
• Legal Aid (Commission des services juridiques)
• Barreau du Québec