Former intelligence and security officials urge Parliament’s national security committee to investigate suspected Havana Syndrome cases among Canadian diplomats in Cuba, and how Ottawa treated them and their families. Pam Isfeld says they were treated shabbily.
“They deserve to be believed as the first premise.”
With thousands of public servants retiring early and tens of thousands more warned their jobs are at risk, former officials say there is still no clear picture of which jobs will go. Pam Isfeld warns of knowledge and skill walking out the door.
“You’re sending all these people home. Do you really understand what the impact will be of them going?”
As Minister Anand makes Canada’s commercial interests the foreign ministry’s central priority, former envoys warn that a trade-only focus would cost Canada influence. Pam Isfeld says economic diplomacy depends on expertise, networks and a properly supported foreign service.
“Effective economic diplomacy involves more than just trade promotion.”
PAFSO has filed a policy grievance after the Public Service Health Care Plan refused to cover fertility treatment for members serving abroad. Pam Isfeld says about two dozen members have been affected so far.
“The principle for people serving abroad is that you should not be disadvantaged compared to what you would get if you’re living in Canada.”
An internal audit of Canada’s missions in the United States found staff facing safety risks including gun violence, high housing costs and trouble getting health care. Pam Isfeld says the problems are nothing new to her members and hopes the findings lead to action.
“We’re hoping to see more and more of these real-time assessments of what’s going on, and hopefully it will lead to some real-time action.”
Two-thirds of submissions to Global Affairs Canada’s internal dissent channel have been rejected, and the topics are being kept secret. Pam Isfeld says the rejections show how frustrated members are about getting issues addressed.
“I don’t blame people for trying. I totally understand why they would be trying.”
Nearly 4,800 late-career public servants have applied for the government’s early retirement incentive. Pam Isfeld says the rollout was backwards: layoff-risk notices went out before the incentive meant to encourage voluntary departures was even open.
“I think the timing got reversed.”
Minister Anand will convene Canada’s ambassadors in Ottawa in June as a new foreign policy document is prepared. Pam Isfeld says the most senior foreign service officers are being told they can’t apply for postings abroad, and some approved postings have been cancelled.
“Everyone is dealing with a lot of moving parts and a lot of confusion.”
Radio interview on CBC Ottawa Morning (8 minutes). Pam Isfeld explains how Global Affairs Canada’s cuts to the diplomatic corps could harm Canada’s work abroad.
Read the articleFrench-language Canadian Press report: Global Affairs Canada is laying off some of its most experienced diplomats as it plans to cut 1,240 full-time positions by 2029. Pam Isfeld warns that missions abroad will be hit hard.
« Le taux de réduction des effectifs envisagé va frapper de plein fouet les missions à l’étranger. »