Global Affairs Canada is laying off dozens of its most specialized diplomats and making others moving between postings wait months for their belongings, as it plans to cut 1,240 full-time positions by 2029. Pam Isfeld says the cuts haven’t been thought through.
“The attrition rate that they’re looking at is going to hit missions abroad pretty hard.”
Thousands of Global Affairs Canada jobs are at risk just as the prime minister pursues an ambitious global agenda. Pam Isfeld says cuts could reach political and economic officers, trade commissioners and consular staff.
“It means overall less capacity to know what’s going on and to be able to interact.”
Prime Minister Carney set out a new direction for Canada’s foreign policy at Davos, but PAFSO warns that cuts at the foreign ministry will undermine it. Pam Isfeld says the new vision needs a strong foreign service.
“You’re talking about an ambitious agenda, but you’re cutting the tools to implement that agenda.”
Thousands of Global Affairs Canada employees, including about 700 PAFSO members, received notices that their jobs could be affected before the government had finished its foreign policy review. Pam Isfeld questions cutting before defining priorities.
“I just don’t understand why we’re cutting without defining what it is that we want to do and what we need.”
French-language Canadian Press report: thousands of Global Affairs Canada employees, about 700 of them PAFSO members, have been warned their jobs could be cut. Pam Isfeld questions cutting before the department has defined its priorities.
« Je ne comprends pas pourquoi on procède à des coupes budgétaires sans avoir défini nos objectifs et nos besoins. »
Minister Anand says Global Affairs Canada’s budget cuts won’t affect consular help for Canadians in trouble abroad. Pam Isfeld raises concerns about relying on a new technology-based system, especially where internet access is limited.
« Ils doivent expliquer clairement à tous en quoi consiste exactement ce système et dans quels domaines précis ils espèrent l’utiliser. »
Finance Minister Champagne has asked ministers to find 7.5 per cent in savings, and Minister Anand confirms Global Affairs Canada will not be spared, alarming some former diplomats.
“It’s going to be painful.”
Global Affairs Canada’s spending plan shows peacekeeping funding down 42 per cent from 2015–16, despite promises to support the United Nations. Pam Isfeld welcomes planned growth that will send more diplomats abroad and hopes it includes more junior positions.
Read the articlePrime Minister Carney has promised to invest in Canada’s foreign service. PAFSO is encouraged but wants details; Pam Isfeld says a foreign policy review is long overdue, and now is the time, given tensions with the United States.
Read the articleFormer diplomats say the Liberal pledge to expand Canada’s presence abroad will need new money and a less risk-averse foreign ministry. Pam Isfeld calls for faster processes, including how quickly new postings are assigned.
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