Dear members,
It’s been a few weeks since my last message to you, but things have been happening, and your PAFSO team has been busy. Here are some of the things we’ve been working on.
The Comprehensive Expenditure Review
The government’s current Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) is at the top of PAFSO’s priority list. This initiative is seeking to reduce operating costs by an unprecedented 15% for 2028–29. And while it is hard to see how cuts of this magnitude wouldn’t directly impact the working conditions of Foreign Service Officers, as your representatives, we are committed to working in consultation with the Employer to make sure cost reductions put people first. We will be strongly advocating that cuts minimize elimination of jobs and do not compromise on the resources our work requires or the respect it deserves.
It is in this consultative framework that the Employer has asked for the input of Bargaining Agents in identifying potential areas for cost reductions. That’s when, a few weeks ago, we turned to you for your constructive and evidence-based ideas on how savings could be realized. I was pleasantly surprised by how many of you took the time to share your thoughts with us on this matter.
A few common points have emerged from the questionnaire results. Not surprisingly, the main concerns were linked to staff cuts and layoffs, especially at the lower levels, and the resulting effects these will have on morale, duty of care, operational efficiency and Canada’s effectiveness abroad. An overall lack of transparency and communication is exacerbating these worries, as are the tight timelines for decision-making. Many of you noted the current government’s emphasis on trade and warned that international assistance and foreign policy/diplomacy functions will remain important. Cost-cutting without strategic prioritization could weaken Canada’s ability to take advantage of international opportunities and support Canadians abroad.
We also received several suggestions for how cost savings could be achieved. These included offering incentives for early retirements, eliminating some layers of management at headquarters, consolidating some administrative functions, and reducing “red tape/friction.”
Over the course of the next few days, we will be using your contributions to compile our proposals to the Employer, who, in turn will be submitting their cost savings plans to the Minister of Finance by the end of this month.
As I have mentioned before, while the departments have yet to determine how they will reach their cost reduction targets, we have known for some time that spending cuts were imminent. And we have been proactively preparing for this eventuality for the better part of a year now. Our labour relations department is fully staffed and ready to assist members as required. Also, we have updated our website with some helpful information related to any potential Workforce Adjustment measures that may arise in the course of the CER.
Though some difficult times may lie ahead, PAFSO is here for you. Your collective agreement has some important protections against job cuts requiring the Employer to ensure that employees are treated equitably and given every opportunity to continue their careers. Our Labour relations Officers are ready to assist you in case you have concerns about your rights in the workplace.
Our Advocacy Team is also hard at work making sure that high-level decision makers along with the general public are aware of the value and essential nature of the work you do. Over the coming days, I will be reaching out to those who have volunteered to take part in our “Street Team” to discuss the ways you can help us in getting the word out. If you missed my original message and would like to volunteer, it’s not too late. Just send us an e-mail at info@pafso.com to get added to our list.
As I said at the top of this segment, the CER is our top priority right now. You can be sure that we will keep you updated on every major development as they unfold.
Executive Committee nominations are open until Friday, 29 August
I’d just like to remind everyone that nominations for the Executive Committee are still open for two more weeks.
This year there are 10 positions to fill on the committee. These include one (1) for FPDS, one (1) for TD, one (1) for FSIA, two (2) for Immigration, two (2) for MCO, and three (3) for members at large. If you are interested in putting your name forward for one of these positions, you can find more information as well as the nomination form here on our website. We also have this helpful webinar here on our YouTube channel that explains the role of the committee as well as the time commitments you can expect should you choose to join us.
If you are looking to bring your fresh perspectives to the future of our association at this pivotal moment, and to take part in the big decisions that will directly impact you and your colleagues, you should consider joining the Executive Committee. Like I said before, the deadline for submitting your nomination is Friday, 29 August at 5pm, Ottawa time.
The nominees are to be confirmed at the 60th PAFSO Annual General Meeting, on Monday, October 20, at 1600, Ottawa time. Once again, the meeting will take place virtually, so, if you would like to participate, please let us know by sending an email to agm-aga@pafso-apase.com with your name and department. A formal meeting invitation with the full agenda and all related documents will be sent to registered participants at a date closer to the event.
Randy Orr Memorial Award
Immediately following our AGM, we will be holding a ceremony to present the Randy Orr Memorial Award. The Award was created to recognize exceptional volunteer service to the foreign service community. Nominations are open to anyone, including PAFSO members, families, and other colleagues who has contributed outside the framework of their paid employment to improving the lives of those who serve Canada abroad.
If you know of such a person, you have until August 31 to submit their nomination. Just send an email to info@pafso.com outlining who they are, what they have done, when, and why it made a difference. Your nomination should be supported by three people, including at least one current regular PAFSO member.
If you would like to learn more about past winners of the award, you can do so on our site here, here and here.
Passing of former PAFSO member Robert Logie
Earlier this week, I learned that our former PAFSO colleague Robert Logie passed away on August 11, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 58. Although I crossed paths with Robert only briefly during his time at GAC from 2005–2023, I remember his kindness, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to his profession. You can find his obituary, as well as a place to offer condolences to his family, here.
That’s all I have for you this week. Until next time, if anything is causing you concern at work, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. If you are having issues with your pay; if you feel harassed or discriminated against; if you have a grievance or a staffing complaint; or do you just want some clarifications on our collective agreement or the FSDs, PAFSO is here for you. Just send us an email with your name, department and a detailed description of your concerns. 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.
My leave was good, but I’m also glad to be back. My next message to you is scheduled for September 5. Should anything significant concerning the CER (or anything else) arise before then, I’ll be sure to be in touch. Take care of yourselves and each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President