Workplace Investigations — Eastern Ontario
Workplace Investigations in Ottawa
Ottawa employers navigate a unique dual-jurisdiction landscape. Whether your investigation falls under Ontario's OHSA or the federal Canada Labour Code, you need an investigator who understands both frameworks and can deliver findings that satisfy whichever regulatory body has oversight.
Ottawa's Employment Landscape
Ottawa's employment landscape is unique in Ontario — the federal government and its agencies are the largest employer, but the city also hosts a significant private-sector technology corridor (Kanata North) and major healthcare institutions (The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO). Federal government workplace investigations fall under the Canada Labour Code and Treasury Board policies, while private-sector Ottawa employers follow Ontario's OHSA and Human Rights Code. This dual-jurisdiction reality means many Ottawa HR leaders need investigators who understand both frameworks. Ottawa's bilingual workforce adds an additional layer — investigations may require French-language capacity.
1.0 million
Population
50,000+
Employers
5
Key Industries
2-6 weeks
Typical Timeline
Industries We Serve in Ottawa
What We Investigate in Ottawa
Harassment & Sexual Harassment
OHSA-compliant investigations into workplace harassment, including sexual harassment allegations. Defensible findings reports that meet tribunal standards.
Discrimination
Ontario Human Rights Code complaints involving race, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected grounds.
Workplace Bullying
Pattern-of-behaviour investigations that distinguish between bullying and legitimate management direction — a critical legal distinction in Ontario.
Misconduct & Policy Breaches
Code of conduct violations, fraud, theft, insubordination, and other workplace misconduct requiring impartial fact-finding.
Safety Retaliation (OHSA Section 50)
Reprisal investigations when workers allege they were penalized for reporting safety concerns or refusing unsafe work.
Workplace Violence
Threat assessments and violence investigations under OHSA requirements, including post-incident analysis and risk mitigation recommendations.
Regulatory Context for Ottawa Employers
Ottawa's federal employers (government, Crown corporations, federally regulated industries) are governed by the Canada Labour Code Part II and Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, which have different investigation requirements than Ontario's OHSA. Private-sector Ottawa employers follow Ontario provincial law. Bilingual investigation capacity may be required for complaints involving francophone employees.
Nearest enforcement office: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario — Ottawa hearing location
Common Questions About Workplace Investigations in Ottawa
Can you investigate workplace complaints at federal government agencies in Ottawa?
We investigate complaints for private-sector and provincial employers under Ontario law. Federal government investigations fall under the Canada Labour Code and typically require investigators approved under Treasury Board frameworks. We can advise on whether your situation falls under provincial or federal jurisdiction and recommend the appropriate path.
Do you offer bilingual workplace investigation services?
We can arrange French-language interpretation for witness interviews and complainant communications. For fully bilingual investigations where all documentation must be produced in both languages, we assess requirements during intake and staff accordingly.
Workplace Investigations Across Ontario
We serve employers across Ontario. Explore workplace investigation services in nearby cities:
Need a Workplace Investigator in Ottawa?
Dealing with an active complaint? We respond same business day. Questions about your obligations? One confidential call answers them all.