Workplace Investigations for Public Sector Employers
Trusted Solutions for Complex Public-Sector Challenges

You manage a workforce of thousands of employees delivering critical programs and services.  The work requires cohesive teams performing at a high level.  Most understand how to treat others with respect.  However, some situations escalate and when there is conflict you know the employee and their union representative will come knocking and expect you to solve the problem.

Part of the solution involves a proper workplace investigation.  You need to know what happened and have confidence in the findings because management may rely on them to support a termination.  You need to get this right because others are counting on you.

At Persaud Employment Law, we understand this.  Our senior lawyer, Dorian Persaud, worked in the public sector as a policy analyst before attending law school.  After law school, he worked in the Legal Department of the Ontario Ministry of Labour before entering private practice and developing expertise conducting workplace investigations.  You can read his full bio here.

We will take the burden off your shoulders by providing impartial, thorough, and legally compliant investigations.

Our tailored approach ensures your organization stays compliant, protects its reputation, and resolves disputes efficiently, so you can focus on what matters most: serving your workforce and your community.

Why Government HR Professionals Trust Us

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Public-Sector Investigations

As an HR leader in a government organization, your investigations must navigate a landscape of challenges:

At Persaud Employment Law, Dorian Persaud brings over 15 years of experience working with government organizations and public-sector employers.

His expertise spans workplace harassment investigations, unionized labor disputes, and compliance with evolving legislative requirements.

Dorian’s deep understanding of public-sector dynamics ensures that investigations are not only thorough and impartial but also tailored to the unique needs of government HR teams.

We understand your pressures and provide solutions designed to meet your exact needs while lightening your workload.

Practical Tips for Effective Workplace Investigations in Government

Legislation and Compliance Insights for Public-Sector HR Professionals

Canadian provinces, including Ontario, require employers to proactively address and investigate workplace harassment and violence. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) in Ontario mandates that employers have clear policies and procedures to investigate complaints, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. Similar requirements exist in other provinces, such as Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code and British Columbia’s Workers Compensation Act.

Investigations must comply with Canadian privacy laws, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) for federally regulated employers and equivalent provincial privacy laws, like Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) for public-sector organizations. These regulations require that sensitive employee information is protected throughout the investigation process, balancing transparency with confidentiality.

Public-sector workplaces often involve unionized employees, adding layers of complexity to workplace investigations. It is essential to respect collective agreements, which may outline specific grievance procedures, the role of union representation during investigations, and protocols for disciplinary action. Failing to adhere to these agreements can lead to grievances or arbitration.

Public-sector investigations must withstand scrutiny from tribunals, courts, and, in some cases, the media. Proper documentation, clear adherence to organizational policies, and compliance with applicable laws ensure your investigation is defensible and supports public trust in the process.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Legislation

Canadian provinces, including Ontario, require employers to proactively address and investigate workplace harassment and violence. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) in Ontario mandates that employers have clear policies and procedures to investigate complaints, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. Similar requirements exist in other provinces, such as Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code and British Columbia’s Workers Compensation Act.

Privacy and Confidentiality Requirements

Investigations must comply with Canadian privacy laws, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) for federally regulated employers and equivalent provincial privacy laws, like Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) for public-sector organizations. These regulations require that sensitive employee information is protected throughout the investigation process, balancing transparency with confidentiality.

Unionized Workforce Considerations

Public-sector workplaces often involve unionized employees, adding layers of complexity to workplace investigations. It is essential to respect collective agreements, which may outline specific grievance procedures, the role of union representation during investigations, and protocols for disciplinary action. Failing to adhere to these agreements can lead to grievances or arbitration.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Legislation

Public-sector investigations must withstand scrutiny from tribunals, courts, and, in some cases, the media. Proper documentation, clear adherence to organizational policies, and compliance with applicable laws ensure your investigation is defensible and supports public trust in the process.

How We Help Government HR Departments

We understand the unique challenges faced by provincial and municipal HR teams and are committed to providing solutions that make your job easier. Here’s how we partner with your organization:

We work closely with your internal HR personnel and management teams throughout the investigation process. From the initial consultation to the final report, we ensure that all stakeholders are informed and aligned on objectives, timelines, and outcomes. Our collaborative approach empowers your team while allowing us to take on the heavy lifting.

Timeliness is critical in workplace investigations, especially in public-sector environments. We establish and adhere to clear timelines from the start, keeping you informed at every stage. Regular updates ensure you always know the status of the investigation and expected next steps.

Let us manage the investigation process so your team can focus on day-to-day responsibilities without added pressure.

Trust our expertise to handle sensitive matters with professionalism, care, and discretion, alleviating the stress of managing investigations internally.

Our impartial and evidence-based approach protects your employees and your organization, ensuring the investigation is defensible and unbiased.

We align every step of the investigation with workplace laws, privacy standards, and collective agreements, helping your organization meet its legal obligations.

Transparent, thorough investigations reinforce confidence among employees, management, and the public, demonstrating your organization’s commitment to fairness and accountability.

By working in partnership with your HR and management teams, we deliver results that address your needs while respecting your organization’s unique structure and priorities.

1. Initial Consultation

We collaborate with your HR team to define the scope, understand your policies, and set clear objectives.

2. Customized Investigation Plan

Each plan is tailored to your department’s needs, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

3. Thorough Evidence Gathering

From confidential interviews to document analysis, we leave no stone unturned.

4. Clear and Actionable Reporting

Our comprehensive reports provide unbiased findings and practical recommendations for resolution.

Take the Next Step

Facing a Challenging Workplace Issue? We’re Here to Help. Partner with Persaud Employment Law for impartial, professional workplace investigations tailored to the complexities of provincial and municipal HR departments.

Schedule your free consultation today, or download our free resource.