The Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner is struggling to manage a growing workload. The office investigates complaints from public servants who report wrongdoing or claim reprisals for coming forward. Commissioner Harriet Solloway stated that the office has received 380 submissions this year, which include 78 claims of reprisals and 302 claims of wrongdoing.

These cases cover a range of issues, including abuses of power, toxic work environments, systemic discrimination, and financial mismanagement. Solloway noted that many submissions do not fall within the office's mandate and often contain multiple allegations. Only a small percentage of findings of wrongdoing lead to reports submitted to Parliament.

In 2025, the office has also received 416 general inquiries, surpassing the total of 526 inquiries received in all of 2024. "We are on track to exceed by far the highest number of general inquiries to date, to which we strive to reply within 48 hours," Solloway said in an email.

Currently, 220 files are pending analysis, with some dating back 15 months. In June, the office analyzed 56 submissions while receiving 68 new ones, marking the highest monthly total to date. Solloway expressed concern that some allegations might not be addressed due to limited resources. "Eliminating the backlog and addressing the unprecedented levels of incoming files would require a significant and sustained increase in the number of analysts and lawyers," she said.

The increase in submissions is attributed to heightened awareness of the office and greater trust in the federal whistleblowing system. However, Solloway emphasized that there is no evidence of a rise in wrongdoing within the federal public sector.

The office currently has 62 files that are either active or awaiting assignment to an investigator. The complexity of these files, many of which involve multiple allegations, contributes to longer investigation times. Solloway warned that delays can negatively affect witness availability and the quality of evidence.

"Delays also have a detrimental effect on whistleblowers who may have suffered reprisals, and accused individuals remain under a cloud of suspicion without timely resolution," she said. To maintain accountability and protect whistleblowers, Solloway stressed the need for adequate resources to meet the demands placed on the office.