What is a whistleblower?
Whistleblowers play an important role in safeguarding the fairness and integrity of Alberta’s capital market. By coming forward with information about securities misconduct that would otherwise be difficult to detect, you’re helping to protect investors, preserve confidence in Alberta’s capital market and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Why are whistleblowers important?
Many securities violations, like illegal insider trading, fraud or misleading financial statements, are complex and often hidden from public view. Your voice can shine a light on this misconduct, allowing the ASC to investigate and act. Your tips enable the ASC’s Enforcement division to work to stop unlawful behaviour, minimize harm to investors, and uphold the integrity of Alberta's capital market.
Your actions matter:
- Protect investors: Your courage can help protect others from financial harm.
- Preserve market integrity: By exposing violations, you help ensure Alberta’s markets remain fair for everyone.
- Hold wrongdoers accountable: Your information could help the ASC take enforcement action against those who break securities laws.
Being a whistleblower isn’t just about reporting – it’s about making a difference.
Who can qualify as a whistleblower?
You may qualify as a whistleblower if you are an employee, director or contractor of an organization and you have information about a potential violation of Alberta securities laws and voluntarily provide that information to the ASC.
Learn more about who qualifies as a whistleblower.
What types of misconduct can be reported?
You can submit information about possible violations of Alberta securities laws, including:
- insider trading
- fraud involving securities or investments
- misleading financial statements or disclosure
- illegal distributions of securities
- market manipulation
- other conduct that may harm investors or Alberta’s capital market
How can I submit a tip?
Whistleblowers can submit their information to the ASC directly or through a lawyer. If you choose to submit a tip through your lawyer, ask your lawyer to review Information for lawyers submitting whistleblower tips.
Are there any protections for whistleblowers?
The Securities Act (Alberta) provides rigorous protections for whistleblowers.
Have questions about becoming a whistleblower?
Contact the Office of the Whistleblower. We’re here to help and answer any questions you may have. All calls and correspondence are confidential.
How can I submit a tip?
Whistleblowers can submit their information to the ASC directly or through a lawyer. If you choose to submit a tip through your lawyer, ask your lawyer to review Information for lawyers submitting whistleblower tips.
Phone:
Whistleblower toll free line: 1-833-295-4387
If you leave a voicemail message, please include:
- your full name
- the subject of your call
- the best phone number to reach you
- the best time to reach you
Email:
You may also send a confidential email to [email protected].
Mail:
OWB – Confidential
Alberta Securities Commission
Suite 600, 250 – 5th Street SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0R4
For additional ASC contact information, visit ASC contact information.
Business hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed on statutory holidays.
About the Office of the Whistleblower
Office of the Whistleblower FAQ