OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) has applied for a writ of mandamus to compel the Government of Canada to meet its obligation to provide a functional Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) for members serving Canada abroad.
For over a year, PAFSO has been pressing the Employer to meet its obligation to provide these Foreign Service Officers and their families with reliable and accessible health insurance coverage as required by the Financial Administration Act and the PSHCP Directive. We have been left with no choice but to seek action through a writ of mandamus from the Federal Court.
PAFSO is seeking several court orders including but not limited to a direction that the Government implement a functional health care plan that respects its obligations, as well as a declaration that the Government is in violation of those obligations to date.
The cost of the PSHCP is shared by the Employer and employees, who continue to pay their premiums despite the unreliability of the current system. Since our members lose their provincial or territorial coverage while living and working outside Canada, this plan is usually the only source of health insurance coverage for them and their families. It is the Government of Canada’s responsibility to ensure that employees have a functioning insurance plan, regardless of the performance of any contracted private entities.
QUOTES
“After more than a year, we’re still seeing nothing but finger pointing and excuses from the Government of Canada over the inadequacies of the Public Service Health Care Plan abroad. Although the Plan is administered by a private company, it is the Government that is ultimately responsible for the health and safety of our members and their families as they serve Canada and Canadians abroad. Knowing that the Government does not have their backs weighs heavily on these dedicated professionals. It is shocking that we have had to turn to the courts for accountability on this matter.”
– Pamela Isfeld, President of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers
“In my 32-year career as a Foreign Service Officer, I’ve never witnessed anything like this. Claims I filed more than a year ago for thousands of dollars remain unprocessed, despite the administrative and financial burden I have been forced to take on. Some of my colleagues have outstanding claims worth over $60,000, all of them for medical services that are covered by their taxes in Canada. I am now scared of going to the doctor and may even be forced to leave my posting early if this situation persists.”
– Jan Scazighino, PAFSO member serving at Canada’s Consulate in Detroit
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BACKGROUND/QUICK FACTS
Since the transition to Canada Life and its subcontractor MSH International in July 2023, problems have included:
- Interruptions in benefits and long delays in claims processing:
Some claims remain unprocessed over a year after filing, while others have been misplaced by MSH or on hold due to delays in Canada Life file transfers. In some cases, the amounts owing are in the tens of thousands of dollars. - Arbitrary and erroneous denials of claims:
This includes reversing previously granted claims and closing unprocessed claims, including for ongoing and serious medical conditions. - Failure to pay benefits accurately:
Incorrect benefit payments and unpaid bills for service providers has led to stress on employees from collections agencies. Under the previous plan, claims were directly billed to the company. - Lack of access to accurate support:
Employees face long wait times to reach MSH, who have often provided them with inaccurate information. The problem is particularly acute with regard to French language services. - Coverage gaps:
Unreliable coverage has created serious health risks, as some employees have been forced to choose between medical debt or delaying care for themselves or their dependents.
Slightly more than half (52%) of PAFSO’s total membership is serving Canada abroad at any given time. This means that approximately 1100 Foreign Service Officers plus the same number of dependents rely on the PSHCP Comprehensive coverage for health insurance.
Members of other unions, as well as Public Service Executives and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and their families, are also subject to the terms of the Plan. Federal retirees are also affected.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
PAFSO Letter to TBS (July 2024)
Certified Mandamus Application
CONTACT
Daniel Pollak
Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations Officer
PAFSO
Daniel.Pollak@pafso-apase.com
PAFSO Media Relations
media@pafso-apase.com