Reporting Fraud Complaints
The City of St. Albert Whistleblower Protection Administrative Directive is in place to establish and maintain a system to prevent, report and investigate suspected Fraud, as well as to protect the complainant from retaliation for reporting suspected Fraud or participating in an investigation..
An employee, contractor or volunteer with the City of St. Albert can report suspected acts of Fraud to the Arms Length Provider, Kingsgate Legal, for initial review. Reports to the Arms Length Provider can be made by email or phone, using the contact information below.
Email: COSAWhistleblower@kingsgate.legal
Phone: 780-900-8585
A complaint must include the following information:
- A description including the activity or activities involved in the alleged act of Fraud;
- The name of the individual or individuals alleged to have committed the possible act of Fraud;
- The date of the alleged act of Fraud;
- An explanation of any perceived risk to the City;
- An explanation of any perceived interest, gain or reward; and
- An explanation of any perceived violation of relevant directives, policies or laws.
Fraud is defined by Administrative Directive HRS-02.10 Whistleblower Protection as:
An act committed by an individual who, by deceit, falsehood, or other fraudulent means, whether or not it is a false pretense, defrauds or attempts to defraud the City, whether ascertained or not, of any property, money, or valuable security or any service, typically involving but not limited to the use of a dishonest act or omission in an attempt to gain some improper personal benefit or advantage, but can also include the abuse of authority, assigned to or entrusted upon an individual by the City, to achieve an improper end. Fraud may include, but is not limited to:
- Theft by lying or deception;
- Bribes, corruption and embezzlement;
- Forgery or alteration of cheques, drafts, promissory notes, or securities;
- Misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies, or other City assets;
- Improper handling or reporting of money transactions;
- Violation of public trust or duty; and
- Misuse of one’s position for personal gain.
More Information
Anonymous Complaints
The Arms Length Provider will accept anonymous complaints however, the Arms Length Provider has no obligation to forward an anonymous Complaint with recommendation for investigation if there is no reasonable expectation, based upon an initial review, to be able to substantiate the Complaint.
What Happens After Complaints are Made
The Arms Length Provider may contact complainants following the submission of a complaint to discuss the allegations reported and confirm details. A complaint made by phone will result in the formalization of that complaint in writing.
Please review the flowchart in the Whistleblower Protection Administrative Directive for further information on complaint handling.
Background
On April 26, 2023, the City of St. Albert approved Administrative Directive HRS-02.10 Whistleblower Protection to establish and maintain a system to prevent, report and investigate suspected Fraud, as well as to protect employees from retaliation for reporting suspected Fraud.
Related Pages
Last edited: January 14, 2025