British Columbia implemented amendments to the Public Interest Disclosure Act through B.C. Reg. 131/2023. This regulation modifies the existing rules governing public interest disclosures. One key change involves the Government Body Designation Regulation (B.C. Reg. 58/2022), which was revised to update the list of designated government bodies and their heads. Notably, the leadership of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation has shifted from a President and CEO to a Chair position, while the SkilledTradesBC now identifies its Chief Executive Officer as its head. 

The redefinition of “employees” in the context of health facilities and the introduction of specific definitions for terms such as “health facility” and “registrant,” identify various health organizations under the Health Authorities Act and related statutes. This specificity ensures that all employees involved in health services, whether working directly in facilities or through online platforms, are recognized under the Act, promoting a culture of safety and transparency for whistleblowers in health-related contexts.

The regulation expands the list of designated government bodies to include various health authorities, such as the British Columbia Emergency Health Services and several other regional health organizations. By broadening this list, the regulation extends protections to a wider range of employees who may need to report misconduct or malfeasance within these organizations.

The goal of these amendments is to establish a safer and more effective framework for reporting unethical practices within government bodies, particularly in the health sector. By broadening the definition of employees and updating leadership roles, the regulation fosters an environment where individuals feel secure in coming forward with critical information. 

For stakeholders, particularly employees in designated government bodies, these changes offer enhanced protections when reporting concerns about wrongdoing. They can now disclose issues without fear of reprisal, knowing that legal safeguards are in place. Health professionals and registrants will especially benefit from the clear definitions and protections outlined in the updates, encouraging them to raise concerns that could significantly impact public health and safety.

British Columbia (131/2023) June 6, 2023