Union Executive Claims Federal Accountants Feared Speaking Up About ArriveCan Irregularities
Federal accountants knew about irregularities with the ArriveCan application but hesitated to speak up due to fear of consequences, as per a union executive.
Association of Canadian Financial Officers President Dany Richard informed the public accounts committee on March 5 that members faced a dilemma: knowing they should report the issues ethically but worrying about potential career repercussions.
Richard, representing accountants, comptrollers, and internal auditors, mentioned that around five accountants had expressed their concerns to management about the app.
He shared, “They know not to push too hard. Look at the stories we hear in the media, what happens to whistleblowers,” as reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.
The ArriveCan app, responsible for verifying travelers’ COVID-19 vaccination status upon entering Canada, has been under scrutiny recently after Auditor General Karen Hogan released a report last month. The audit found significant deficiencies in management and contracting practices during ArriveCan’s development and implementation. The reported construction cost was $59.5 million, but due to missing documentation, the exact figure couldn’t be ascertained.
Former border agency employees Cameron MacDonald and Antonio Utano were recently suspended without pay from their government positions over allegations related to ArriveCan, a move some Conservative MPs believe to be retaliatory for their critiques of the agency and the app.
Fears of Reprisals
Richard informed MPs that only 55 percent of Canada Border Services Agency members felt comfortable filing a formal complaint without the fear of reprisal based on the last annual public service employee survey.
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“Challenging someone who assesses your performance at the end of the year is tough,” Richard stated, in response to Conservative MP Kelly Block’s inquiry about the employees’ concerns. He mentioned that the employees shared information anonymously due to fear for their safety.
He added that whistleblowers often face hardships, with their lives turning challenging after speaking out. Members are left with a difficult choice: whistleblow at the expense of their career or raise concerns that may go unheard.
