Dear members,
This will be a shorter message than usual. We’re getting into the dog days of summer here in the NCR and I am about to take a few weeks of leave. But before I go, I just wanted to update you on a few things going on at headquarters.
Human rights complaints against the Government of Canada and MSH International
As I mentioned to you in my last message, on July 3 we launched our human rights complaints on behalf of members deprived of adequate health care coverage while serving abroad. Although we expect this to be a lengthy process in the courts, the media was quick to take notice of our actions. Here’s an article the Hill Timesran last Wednesday. (It is behind their paywall, so you will need a subscription to read it.) And here’s a piece from July 5 in the Ottawa Citizen everyone should be able to access.
In addition to these two complaints, PAFSO will be supporting, as appropriate, members who wish to file individual complaints. So, if you have been affected by these failings and are considering filing a human rights complaint, please get in touch with our office for an assessment of your case, and advice and assistance on whether and how to proceed.
Great news about PAFSO’s group insurance program
In May, the Insurance Committee received the finance report for the program covering the years 2021 through 2023. It showed a net surplus for that period. In June, the committee met and decided to use the surplus to issue program members a rebate of 25% of the total premiums paid between January 2021 and December 2023. The PAFSO team will be working on processing the rebates over the course of the summer.
If you are a member of our group insurance program, you should have received an email about this yesterday. If you haven’t seen it, make sure to search through your spam and promotions mail folders. For more information on the rebates, or on the insurance program in general, please reach out to Marty Johnston.
PAFSO strategic plan
Things are progressing well with our strategic planning. We are moving ahead with setting our objectives for the next three years. Over the last two weeks, we held three sessions updating members on where we are at in our strategic planning process and seeking your input. If you didn’t get a chance to participate, as usual, we have a recording of our July 9 session up on our YouTube channel.
Members are also very welcome to review this document, which outlines our thinking and priorities, and to provide input on the proposed elements between now and August 16 using this form.
Opening of nominations for the Randy Orr Memorial Award
I am very pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the Randy Orr Memorial Award, established in honour of our long-serving Executive Committee colleague who passed away on September 15, 2021. This award recognizes members of the foreign service community, including our members, their families, retirees and other colleagues, who have volunteered their time to improve life for those who serve Canada abroad. If you know of an individual or group that has made a difference, please send an e-mail outlining their contribution, supported by at least three regular PAFSO members, to info@pafso.com by August 31. The award, with its $1000 prize, will be presented at a virtual reception at the end of the October 21 AGM.
Annual General Meeting and ExCom nominations
You will soon receive a separate message about this year’s Annual General Meeting, which will take place virtually on Monday, 21 October at 1600 Ottawa time. I hope you will be able to attend as we will address a number of issues, including our strategic plan, that will set the course for our organization for the coming years.
It is also worth noting that there are three vacant positions on the Executive Committee this year, one each for FPDS, Trade, and Members-at-large. Please note that the deadline for nominations is August 31.
“Women with a Mission” study looking for research participants
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with Melissa Hitchman, doctoral candidate at the National Security College of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University (ANU). She is also a veteran Australian diplomat with over 36 years’ experience, including as Ambassador to the Holy See. The GAC Women’s Network put us in touch to discuss her doctoral project on the extent to which women’s increasing representation in diplomatic positions has contributed to their influence on diplomacy. Her study, the first of its kind to involve women in particular, focuses on the influence of women within each Five Eyes’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAs). She is looking for participants from all levels and streams at GAC for a 25–30-minute survey, 30–60-minute interview and/or a 60-minute focus group. If you are interested in helping with this fascinating and ground-breaking research, please e-mail melissa.hitchman@anu.edu.au as soon as possible.
That’s all I have for you this time. Like I said, I am off for the next few weeks, so my next message to you will be on Friday, August 16.
In the meantime, if there is anything causing you concern at work, do not hesitate to reach out to us. 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. 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