Brigitte Bernier Email & Phone Number

Ontario, Canada

Gatineau, Qc

77 Laurier Street, Hull, Québec, Canada

Senior Investigator accredited under the Treasury Board National Master Standing Offer list for investigations on workplace harassment (Bill C-65), harassment, dislosures of wrongdoing.

580 Booth Street

Manager with seven (7) staff, reporting to the Director of Workplace Wellbeing. Provide preventative strategies, training, tools and resources to reduce risk of mental health issues, psychological injury in the workplace, conflicts and harassment. Determine the validity of complaints, highly sensitive and complex cases and systemic issues with regards to the Values and Ethics Code and harassment. Develop, establish and implement all aspects of the harassment complaint. Support managers and employees to create environments for open and stigma-free dialogues on mental health, conflicts and harassment prevention. Organize events on mental health awareness to all staff. Prepare contracts to hire guest speakers and facilitators for special events. Deliver information sessions for staff on mental health issues and values and ethics services. Lead and participate in various committees linked to Mental Health and Values and Ethics. Develop partnerships and collaborations and liaise with various branches of the Department and numerous external stakeholders.

70 Colombine Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

Manager with seven (7) staff, reporting to the Director of Workplace Wellbeing; Provide preventative strategies, training, tools and resources to reduce risk of psychological injury in the workplace; Support managers and employees to create environments for open and stigma-free dialogues on mental health; Organize events and information sessions on mental health awareness and prevention to all HC and Public Health Agency staff (PHAC) on mental health issues and services; Prepare contracts to hire guest speakers and facilitators for special events; Lead various committees linked to Mental Health; Liaise with various branches of the Department and numerous external stakeholders; Evaluate and determine the value of training tools and information related to mental health for HC; Write briefing material, speaking points, summaries and reports to senior management up to the Assistant Deputy Minister level.

Sussex Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Determined the validity of complaints, highly sensitive and complex cases and systemic issues with regards to the Values and Ethics Code, the Code of Conduct Abroad and Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA). Planned, conducted and supported conflict of interest, wrongdoing and harassment investigations. Promoted Global Affairs’ Values and Ethics Code and the Code of Conduct Abroad and PSDPA through training, awareness sessions and individual meetings. Provided advice to senior management/employees on conflicts of interest, ,wrongdoing, harassment, political activities, breaches of the Codes and post-employment limitations. Wrote investigative reports and briefs intended for senior management and provided recommendations on solutions. Handled both Access to Information and Privacy requests according to their individual Acts. Liaised with various branches of the Department and external investigative organisations. Represented the division at various committees including at the Internal Disclosure Working Group (IDWG) which Departmental Senior Officers and investigators attend monthly, to discuss issues, trends and concerns with regards to the PSDPA and the Violence in the Workplace Working Group. Negotiated interdepartmental agreements to provide services on the PSDPA. Provided advice, guidance and support to individuals contacting our office on avenues for conflict resolution and mental health support services. Wrote the annual PSDPA report for the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner. Prepared contracts for outside investigative bodies.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Director accountable for the Internal disclosure program for Correctional Services Canada with one staff with direct reporting. Reported to the Director General (DG) on issues linked to the PSDPAActed on behalf of the DG during his absences. Analyzed and screened calls and emails received through the division's mailbox, and/or through other sources to determine validity and eligibility of PSDPA complaints submitted by staff. Provided analytical expertise and recommendations to DG for approval to investigate allegations. Planned, performed and investigated complex PSDPA investigations within the department. This included interviewing witnesses/subjects, examining and analyzing financial, public and/or governmental records and documents, internet research and conducting physical searches. Ensured accuracy, quality and timeliness of investigations as mandated by the DG Wrote investigation reports with findings and recommendations for action by the DG and the Commissioner of CSC. Wrote reports and briefs for senior management to make critical decisions on cases and programs. Covered various institutions across Canada to confirm and investigate allegations under the PSDPA. Handled both Access to Information and Privacy requests according to their individuals Acts. Delivered and promoted the services offered by the Internal Disclosure Office by giving training to employees and developing promotional items. Liaised with various divisions and branches of the Department and external investigative organisations forming better cooperation and exchange of information between parties. Worked closely with several Government departments such as RCMP, Justice and others. Managed the internet portals for the Division to provide information on mandate and initiatives. Represent CSC at various events and member of the IDWG. Departmental Senior Officers and Investigators attend monthly, to discuss issues, trends and concerns with regards to the PSDPA.

Hull, Quebec

July 2009 to September 2011 / June 2012 to August 2012Managed four(4) employees with a budget of $60,000. Prepared detailed strategic plans to achieve operational objectives and reported their developments to senior management. Managed the mandatory training for all employees at the School (840+). Developed and created new programs for the CSPS including welcome sessions for new employees. Established, implemented and managed an evaluation tool for the language training program. Administered and promoted the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health support while analysing and providing statistics to management on the use of the program. Organized information sessions for staff with guest speakers on mental health issues and services. Negotiated interdepartmental agreements for language training and EAP support. Managed the employee performance reports and learning plans for all School staff by providing support to management and ensuring compliance of report submission deadlines. Organized and managed the School’s Recognition Program events.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Investigator (4 months) and director (6 months) responsible for the internal disclosure program for Correctional Services and managed a budget associated to investigations ($40,000). Determined eligibility of PSDPA complaints submitted by staff and submitted to DG for approval and mandate to investigate. Investigated PSDPA complaints and wrote investigation reports for action by the DG and the Commissioner of CSC. Created, delivered and promoted the services offered by the Internal Disclosure Office by giving training to employees. Liaised with various branches of the Department and external investigative organisations. Delivered and promoted the services offered by the Internal Disclosure Office by giving training to employees and developing promotional items. Managed the internet portals for the Division. Wrote the annual PSDPA report for the of Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Investigated delinquent complaints in four (4) federal institutions. Met with delinquents regularly to discuss options and provide viable options to their complaints. Identified systemic problems in the institutions and briefed wardens and upper management. Interacted with the institutions’ security sections to discuss potentially dangerous threats and/or situations with delinquents. Resolved conflicts between the administration and the delinquents by liaising with various stakeholders. Provided advice, guidance and support to delinquents contacting our office on avenues of conflict resolution and mental health support services.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Managed and conducted investigations as a senior investigator and team leader for the Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT). Investigated and reported on systemic issues to senior management and offered strategic recommendations on changes required to national policies. Wrote reports which included changes to the national policies and procedures of the DND/CF. Acting Director for SORT on numerous occasions. Mentored consultants and new employees. Represented the Ombudsman at high level functions. Created, organized and delivered information sessions and training to DND/CF employees. Provided advice, guidance, encouragement and support to serving members and their families suffering from PTSD on mental health services available. Developed a large network of mental health providers to provide quick and efficient support to serving members and their families.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Acting Director of general investigations with ten (10) employees and two consultants. Determined validity of complaints, highly sensitive and complex cases and systemic issues. Reviewed investigation reports and provided advice and guidance to senior management. Worked closely with the Ombudsman, management, legal department and corporate communications in responding to mediaProvided briefings and advice to the Ombudsman on emerging and sensitive issues. Demonstrated leadership by providing guidance and expertise to my investigative team. Lead and participated in a number of staffing processes. Provided advice, guidance, encouragement and support to serving members and their families suffering from PTSD regarding mental health services available to them.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Acting Director for ten (10) months with five(5) employees and a $550,000 budget. Responsible for multidisciplinary projects involving provincial and private organizations. Researched, analysed and prepared plans, reports, Ministerial correspondence and briefing notes for review and approval of the Assistant Deputy Minister. Promoted ISP programs through information sessions and meetings.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Investigated, researched and obtained information from internal and external sources to prevent, detect and discourage cases of fraud and abuse related to employment insurance payments. Investigated and audited employees/employers to ensure accuracy and integrity of benefits, employment qualification and accounting according to the Employment Insurance Act. Investigated potential cases of fraud and abuse related to Income Security Programs, specifically for Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Canada Pension Plan. Liaised with various federal, provincial and municipal governments on investigations. Developed, managed and delivered information sessions to new beneficiaries of benefits.

Ottawa, Canada Area

Identified and prevented program fraud. Detected fraudulent or incorrect use of employment funds and retirement programs. Conducted studies on the abuse of benefits and identified specific groups committing fraud. Provided technical advice and support to ISP personnel, managers, upper management and the Minister regarding the administration of criminal investigations. Negotiated protocol agreements between the government and local organizations. Developed program and training guides for new employees of HRDC.