Dear members,
Another short week, another short message. But first, I want to wish everyone a happy belated Canada day. I hope you all had a chance to enjoy some down time with family and loved ones. Given how the holiday chopped up the week, there’s only a few items I have for you in this message.
Opening of nominations for the Randy Orr Memorial Award
I am pleased to announce that nominations for the 2025 Randy Orr Memorial Award are now open. The award, established in honour of our long-serving Executive Committee colleague who passed away in 2021, recognizes those in the foreign service community, including PAFSO 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 our AGM on October 20.
Annual General Meeting and ExCom nominations
In the coming weeks, you will receive a separate message announcing our upcoming Annual General Meeting. The meeting, once again held virtually, is scheduled to take place virtually on Monday, 20 October at 1600 Ottawa time.
More details will follow, but I wanted to let you know that there are 10 vacant positions on the Executive Committee this year. There’s one in the FPDS stream, 1 in the TD stream, 1 in the FSIA stream, 2 in Immigration, 2 in MCO, and 3 for members at large. So, if you were interested in joining the Executive committee, now is a good time to throw your hat in the ring.
Being on the Executive Committee is an excellent opportunity to bring your fresh perspectives to the future of our association and to take part the big decisions that will directly impact you and your colleagues. This year, as with every year, I am looking forward to seeing many new faces around the virtual table. If you think you might be interested in being part of the executive committee, but aren’t sure of what is involved, we put together this little video primer a few years ago that should help answer a few of your questions.
In any case, keep your eyes open for the AGM notice in your inboxes. And, in the meantime, save the date: Monday, October 20, 1600, Ottawa time.
And that’s it. Short and sweet this time around. I’ll be in touch again in two weeks’ time.
Between now and then, if you are having any concerns 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.
My next message to you will be on July 18. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President
@PafsoPresApase