Dear members,
We are entering the dog days of summer and things were looking quiet at headquarters until the government announced its plans for the Comprehensive Economic Review (CER).
This initiative represents a dramatic new push to realize cost savings across almost all of government, with targets that will see Global Affairs Canada’s budget cut by an unprecedented 15% – or $1.1 billion – by 2028–29. IRCC will cut $750 million in the same timeframe. While officials claim this review is about “responsible, cost-effective spending,” experience tells us that cuts of this scale rarely come without meaningful impacts on frontline programs, services, and the professionals who deliver them. Despite assurances that the process will prioritize programs core to the federal mandate and avoid “haircut” solutions, it remains deeply unclear how GAC can execute its broad diplomatic, consular, trade, and development responsibilities with significantly reduced resources.
The government says it would like to see more efficient, focused international operations but many of us are justifiably skeptical that the cuts can be achieved without undermining Canada’s already-stretched global presence. In my recent interview with Canadian Press, I made clear our union’s concerns: Canada is being asked to do far more on the world stage – with new Indo-Pacific, African, and North American strategies – at the very moment its diplomatic resources are being reduced. Diplomats are the first responders in global crises, and cutting us risks weakening our nation’s security, influence, and ability to protect our citizens abroad.
It is also hard to see how these cuts won’t directly impact the day-to-day working conditions of Foreign Service Officers, despite government commitments to consultation and respect for workforce adjustment processes. In the coming months, PAFSO will continue to engage with senior management and press the Employer to put people first and live up to its commitments on transparency and genuine consultation with bargaining agents. We have already begun to make the public case for diplomacy, to protect your ability to serve Canadians, highlight the valuable work you do and remind decision-makers that retreating from the world stage is not in our national interest. As these deliberations unfold – mostly behind closed doors for now – members can be assured that PAFSO will continue to advocate forcefully for the resources and respect our profession deserves.
CER Consultation Questionnaire
GAC has set up a mechanism to receive input from bargaining agents on the CER process, and employees can also use the existing suggestion box process. IRCC has invited employees to submit ideas to the relevant directors general. We encourage you to take part in these processes and to share your concerns, suggestions, or ideas for constructive, evidence-based savings with us here, so we can transmit them to management.
In order to meet the August 28 deadline for proposals to be sent to the Minister of Finance, departments will have to review and vet their own submissions by mid-August. Accordingly, we ask that you complete the questionnaire by close of business on July 31, so we have time to compile the input we receive.
Creating a PAFSO “street team”
As I mentioned in my June 20 message we are in the process of ramping up our advocacy efforts, including by creating our first-ever video public service announcement to highlight the important work you do.
As part of this process, we would like to put together a PAFSO “street team” to work directly with me and the advocacy team to disseminate our messaging to high-level visitors, decision-makers, and the general public through social media. If you would like to be part of this effort, please send an e-mail to info@pafso.combetween now and August 11. The time commitment is flexible, depending on your availability, so even if you have only a couple of hours a month to spare, we would love to hear from you.
Executive Committee nominations are now open
Last Thursday, you should have received notice of our upcoming AGM as well as a call for nominations to the executive committee. 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. With so many openings this year, I am really looking forward to seeing some fresh new faces around the virtual table.
There are 10 positions to fill on the committee. This includes 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. Nominations are open until Friday, August 29 at 5pm, Ottawa time. So, 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. You can also watch this webinar on the role of the Executive Committee here on our YouTube channel. The webinar also gives details of the time commitment involved in serving on ExCom (around 8 hours per month, including the regular meetings at noon Ottawa time on the third Thursday of each month).
Nominees will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting, which will take place virtually on Monday, October 20, at 1600, Ottawa time. If you are interested in participating in the meeting, 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
I also want to remind you all that nominations for the annual Randy Orr Memorial Award are open until August 31. This award, in honour of our long-serving Executive Committee colleague, recognizes exceptional volunteer service to the foreign service community. It is open to anyone, including PAFSO members, families, and other colleagues, who has contributed, outside the framework of their paid employment, to improving life for those who serve Canada abroad. If you know of such a person, please send an e-mail to info@pafso.com outlining who they are, what they have done, when, and why it made a difference. Each nomination should be supported by three people, including at least one current regular PAFSO member, and must be received before August 31. The award, with its $1000 prize, will be presented shortly after the Annual General Meeting on Monday October 20.
You can learn more about past winners of the award here, here and here on our site.
That’s all I have for you this time around. As always, 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.
I’m taking a couple of weeks of holidays, so my next regular message to you is due on 15 August. Of course, I will be keeping track of events and if there are any significant developments, we will contact you through your regular e-mail. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President
@PafsoPresApase