Whistleblowing Canada is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Pamela Forward, MA, GCCR - President
Pamela Forward is a workplace mediator, researcher and founding Director of Whistleblowing Canada. A graduate of Carleton University (BA Political Science, Graduate Studies in Conflict Resolution, MA Legal Studies) and a former registered nurse, Pamela has had a varied career in business, health care and government (federal public service and advisor to federal cabinet Ministers). Over the years, much of her work has been with people in conflict and crisis situations. As well, she has coached new mediators in Carleton University’s, Department of Law- Conflict Resolution Program, and law students in the University of Ottawa, Department of Law.
Pamela’s experience includes both management and advisory positions at the national and international levels. She has been active in professional organizations, community organizations, and political organizations throughout her career which included running as a Candidate for a seat in Ontario's legislature. Her interest in whistleblowing advocacy began in the 1990’s when she joined with others to support whistleblowers in the Federal Public Service.
Her in-depth, qualitative case study on whistleblowing and drug safety issues at Health Canada, a federal department, was aimed at better understanding why reprisals occur. The study highlighted many system flaws resulting in reprisals against truth-tellers and impunity for wrong-doers.
This blend of knowledge and experience has stimulated an abiding interest in supporting conflict-friendly, ethical and accountable organizations and inspired the founding of Whistleblowing Canada Research Society. A native Newfoundlander, Pamela has traveled extensively, particularly in the Middle and Far East and has lived in Spain.
Jennifer Fraser, PhD - Director, Secretary
Dr. Jennifer Fraser is the founder of Bullied Brain.com. She has a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Toronto. She has been published by an American and a Canadian university press. An award-winning teacher of 20 years, Jennifer taught literature classes at U of T and ultimately university prep schools where she also directed youth theatre. In 2012, Jennifer was pulled into a child abuse crisis at the school where she was working. When it became apparent that the Board and school administrators were going to cover up, she reported to the Commissioner for Teacher Regulation.
When it became apparent that the Commissioner was going to cover up, she took his corrupt decisions and gave them to the Ombudsperson's Office in British Columbia. The cover up by the school and government were exposed on the front page of the Toronto Star and on CTV's W5 investigative journalism show. She published a book about the crisis, Teaching Bullies: Zero Tolerance on the Court or in the Classroom. This book went to number one on Amazon in the sport psychology category. Jennifer's knowledge of child abuse in another BC private school led to frantic requests for the foot-dragging Ombudsperson’s Office to intervene. Her significant concern was that this latest victim was suicidal, but the Ombuds was not moved. The student killed herself on November 21, 2017.
Jennifer's new book, The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health is to save individuals like her student from seeking support from those in power and authority as finding such support is doubtful. It teaches individuals how to prevent the brain scarring bullying and abuse that are rampant in our society and how to heal if the harm has been done. Dr. Michael Merzenich, the "Father of Neuroplasticity" says The Bullied Brain is "scientifically the most thorough treatment of the subject on planet earth."
Now coaching clients, doing speaking engagements, teaching online and in person courses, giving interviews, writing a blog "How I Became an Unlikely Whistleblower," for her website BulliedBrain.com and writing a regular blog for PsychologyToday, Jennifer hopes to bring about healthy, positive change especially for children and youth.
Paloma Raggo, PhD - Director
Dr. Paloma Raggo is an assistant professor at the School of Public Policy and Administration and teaches in the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. Carleton University’s new Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is the first and only program of its kind in Canada. Paloma has a PhD in political science with a dual specialty in public policy/administration and international relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Her research interests include international nonprofit/INGO leadership, organizational accountability, global philanthropy, online teaching, and mixed methodologies. From 2011 to 2013, she served as the associate director of the Institute for Qualitative and Multi-Method Research (IQMR) of the Consortium for Qualitative Research Methods held at Syracuse University. She has received research related awards from the Canadian Association of Nonprofit Research and Social Economy Research (ANSER-ARES) (Best Thesis 2015), the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) (Emergent Scholar Award 2014), the Society for Political Methodology and the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) (John Garcia Award 2011). She is currently working on her book: Leadership and Accountability in International Nonprofit Organizations and has received funding from SSHRC for a project on transnational accountability.
Dr. Dan Ryan - Director
Dr. Daniel A.J. Ryan is a seasoned leader, statistician, and educator with over 30 years of experience driving innovation and positive change in higher education and research. With expertise in modern data analytics and emerging technologies, Dr. Ryan has held senior leadership positions at five Canadian universities and two research institutions, where he has been instrumental in shaping educational programs that align with community priorities.
A dedicated advocate for community engagement, Dr. Ryan has served on numerous public and not-for-profit boards, contributing to initiatives that enhance education, research, and public service. His strategic approach to leadership has consistently fostered collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector.
Dr. Ryan holds a BSc in Honours Biology and an MSc and PhD in Applied Statistics from the University of Guelph. His academic and professional career has spanned Ontario, Nova Scotia, Australia, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia, underscoring his global perspective and commitment to educational excellence.
Justin Villeneuve - Director
Justin Villeneuve is a lawyer with extensive experience in employment and personal injury law. He has represented whistleblowers in both Canadian and U.S. cases involving corporate and government corruption. Having seen firsthand the risks faced by those who expose wrongdoing, he is deeply concerned about Canada’s lack of effective whistleblower protections. Justin advocates for stronger legal safeguards to ensure accountability and prevent retaliation against those who speak out.
As Managing Partner at WVGB Law Group, Justin has fought for employees facing wrongful termination, workplace harassment, and unfair treatment. He has also represented injured clients in personal injury cases, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.