Protection from reprisals
Our mandate protects you if you contact or cooperate with us in good faith.
As per section 31(1)(i) of Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 5047-1, Office of the Ombudsman, no DND employee or CAF member may discriminate against, retaliate against, or take any negative action toward someone for:
- Bringing a concern or complaint to our office, or
- Lawfully cooperating with our office in relation to our duties and functions
Any such actions may be considered reprisals and may also be treated as obstruction under our mandate. The process for reporting obstruction is outlined in sections 32 and 33 of our mandate.
We take all reprisal concerns seriously and respond as quickly as possible.
What is a reprisal?
A reprisal is any negative action or consequence taken against a person because they contacted or cooperated with us (for example, by providing information related to a complaint). Reprisals may be obvious or subtle and can include:
- Disciplinary or administrative measures
- Changes that negatively affect your employment, working conditions, or career opportunities
- Impacts on your income, economic situation, reputation, or livelihood
How reprisal concerns are handled
The process begins when you raise a reprisal concern with us.
Our office will gather information to:
- Clarify your allegations
- Assess whether the alleged reprisal is connected to your contact or cooperation with us
- Ensure all parties understand their responsibilities under our mandate and DAOD 5047-1, Office of the Ombudsman
With your consent, the individual or organization alleged to have taken reprisal action is notified without delay. They are informed that:
- Someone has raised a reprisal concern
- We are reviewing the matter
We will review all available information to determine whether the facts are agreed upon or disputed:
- If everyone agrees to the facts, the matter may be resolved informally
- If the facts are disputed, additional review may be required
Two outcomes are possible:
- If we determine reprisals may have occurred or that there are concerns about compliance with our mandate, we will report the matter to the appropriate authority. We will advise them of the potential issue of reprisal, ask them to take action, and report back to us with steps they will be taking and the outcome.
- If we determine the concerns raised do not constitute reprisal, we will inform all parties and may refer you to existing supports, such as your local Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) office to resolve the issue.
How to report potential reprisal
To report allegations of reprisal or obstruction to the mandate of the Ombudsman’s Office, please contact us. You may also report the allegations through other existing mechanisms.
Related resources
- For DND employees (including Canadian Coast Guard personnel):
- For CAF members:
- Canadian Armed Forces Disclosure Process (CAF DP)
- Queen's Regulations and Orders (QR&O) 19.15 Prohibition of reprisals
- Reprisal Complaint Form (DND 6105) – For All Recently Released and Active Members of the Canadian Armed Forces. This form is available on the Defence network and is to be sent to the Internal Disclosure Office.
- For employees of the Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces (SNPF CF):