Who is supposed to hold the Alberta government accountable for corruption?
There are different offices, but the main ones you’re asking about are:
- Public Interest Commissioner → Handles complaints from government workers who see wrongdoing and want to "blow the whistle." They don’t usually investigate unless someone files a complaint.
- Ethics Commissioner → Deals with conflicts of interest (e.g., if a politician is secretly helping a friend get government money). They mostly respond to formal complaints.
- Auditor General → Checks if government money is being used properly but doesn't punish wrongdoing.
- RCMP → Can investigate crimes (e.g., fraud, bribery), but they need solid evidence.
Can these offices act on their own?
No, they usually need a formal complaint from someone before they investigate. Some offices (like the Ethics Commissioner) will straight-up ignore anything that’s not an official complaint.
Is it risky to file a complaint?
Yes, it can be. Even though there are laws to protect whistleblowers, in reality, people who speak up often face backlash (losing their job, lawsuits, intimidation). That’s why most people don’t do it.
Does demanding a Public Inquiry help?
Not really, because the government decides whether to launch one. If they’re the ones accused of wrongdoing, they won’t investigate themselves unless there’s huge public pressure.
Does writing to the Public Interest or Ethics Commissioner help?
Only if it’s a formal complaint with solid proof. Otherwise, they usually ignore it.
How can an average person have an impact?
- Amplify Information → Share clear, fact-based summaries with friends, social media, community groups.
- Support Whistleblowers & Journalists → Follow independent media, donate to legal defense funds (like for people facing SLAPP suits).
- Pressure MLAs & Media → Contact your MLA (even if they won’t act, it shows people care). Tip off journalists who might investigate.
- Public Campaigns → Organize petitions, protests, or letter-writing campaigns to create public pressure.
The key is public pressure—governments ignore one complaint, but they react when thousands of people make noise.
