Dear Members,
Like most of you, our attention continues to be on the implementation of Budget 2025 and its implications for the FS group. Although we still don’t have as many details as we would like, a clearer picture is starting to emerge. I want to focus this week’s message on our work on your behalf.
Our Position
PAFSO’s main position is that a strong foreign service is essential to Canada’s national interest, especially at this difficult point in our history. Our members play a key role in enhancing our nation’s prosperity and security and cutting these resources runs counter to the government’s own stated priorities. Our top priorities are to ensure that no FS positions are cut, and to ensure you have the resources and working conditions you need to effectively serve Canada and Canadians.
Advocacy Measures
In addition to our direct engagement with the Employer and our participation in both national and departmental Work Force Adjustment (WFA) committees, we have launched a public advocacy campaign to remind decision makers and the public about the important work you do. You can see our video here on our YouTube channel, and read one of my media interviews here.
Budget Cuts and Workforce Adjustment at GAC and IRCC
A WFA process has already taken place at IRCC, and late last week, GAC informed employees that one would also take place there, citing the need for tough decisions to prioritize activities that “align with today’s fiscal and political landscape.” This will include reductions to operational costs as well as the elimination of some vacant and occupied positions.
From January 12 to 31, Canada-based staff at Headquarters, missions, and regional offices will receive notifications if their positions may be affected by WFA. Importantly, receiving such a letter does not mean immediate layoff but signals potential changes and voluntary departure options. GAC is choosing to send letters broadly in order to allow for voluntary departures and alternation, and with a view to avoiding involuntary departures of employees. Additionally, letters about potential eligibility for the Early Retirement Initiative are being sent through the Government of Canada Pension Portal, in anticipation of royal assent for the required legislation early in 2026.
PAFSO Resources: website and webinars
In order to help members navigate these difficult processes, we’ve prepared an updated Q&A on the WFA process and its implications for the FS group, along with information on the Enhanced Retirement Initiative and other measures, here on our website.
This situation will present many of you with some serious choices, and to help you make informed decisions, we have set up two webinars for next week. On Monday, 8 December, at 0800 Ottawa time, Michel Salmon of Lumas Inc will walk us through some of the questions and issues members might want to consider in deciding whether to stay in government or take advantage of the other options available. You can register for that session here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/
On December 10, we will host a session with Tradex on career planning webinar aimed at those earlier in their careers.
https://us02web.zoom.us/
We will post the recordings of both these events after the meetings for those who are unable to make it to the live sessions.
Virtual Discussion with PAFSO Team on Friday, December 12 at 0830
We are aware that despite the emergence of some information from the Employer, many of you still have outstanding questions and concerns. Accordingly, I will host an online discussion with Dan Whalen and our PAFSO team on Friday, December 12, at 0830, to share the information we have. Please register for that session here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/
If you have questions you would like us to address, please submit them via this form before close of business on Wednesday, December 10, and we will do our best to address them.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
As always, should you have any concerns at work, do not hesitate to reach out to us. That’s what we’re here for. Are you having issues with your pay? Do you feel harassed or discriminated against? Do you have a grievance or a staffing complaint? Or do you just want some clarifications on our collective agreement or the FSDs? Whatever the case, PAFSO is here for you. Just send us an email with your name, department and a detailed description of your concerns.You can click here to learn more about all the member services PAFSO has to offer. For anything and everything else, please send us an email at info@pafso.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President
@PafsoPresApase