Global Affairs Canada will launch an internal dissent channel for diplomats to raise concerns about policy, modelled on the U.S. State Department’s. Pam Isfeld welcomes it but wants to know how it will work.
“The devil’s going to be in the details.”
Opinion piece by Pam Isfeld: since Canada Life and MSH International took over the Public Service Health Care Plan in 2023, foreign service officers and their families abroad have been denied basic coverage, forcing PAFSO to take the government to court.
Read the articlePAFSO is asking the Federal Court to order the government to fix “significant systemic problems” with public service health insurance, which have left diplomats abroad fighting for reimbursement.
“Employees pay half the premiums, and all of that money is still being deducted from everybody’s pay while this service is widely known to be non-functional.”
An internal memo warns that financial pressures threaten Global Affairs Canada’s ability to carry out essential duties and sustain its presence abroad. Pam Isfeld says fixing it will take both reallocation and new funding.
“You’ve got costs going up, you’ve got less money coming in, you’ve got the same priorities. What is coming off the list of tasks?”
Diplomats abroad face hefty health-care bills amid insurance problems, and PAFSO has filed human rights complaints. Pam Isfeld explains that for staff posted abroad the plan is their primary insurance, with the worst cases in the United States.
“When people are posted abroad, this is not supplemental health insurance … it’s primary insurance.”
PAFSO has filed two human rights complaints over continuing problems with public service health insurance for employees abroad. Pam Isfeld says some members have waited a year for outstanding claims.
Read the articleThe federal government has begun imposing financial sanctions on Canada Life after months of complaints about unpaid medical claims. Pam Isfeld calls it a positive step but says the underlying problem still needs fixing.
“We still have the same problem with the lack of an adequate health insurance plan, especially abroad and especially in the U.S.”
Radio-Canada report: Ottawa imposes financial sanctions on Canada Life over health insurance problems. Pam Isfeld describes enormous delays and unexplained reimbursements for public servants abroad.
« Les fonctionnaires sont très frustrés et en colère. »
Budget 2024’s modest investment in foreign service reform is called a “down payment” as the government prioritizes defence. Pam Isfeld calls that short-sighted.
“An effective foreign service can help prevent and manage conflict at a lower level, and effective diplomacy can make military intervention unnecessary.”
Public servants and retirees abroad are waiting months for medical reimbursements that often come up short without explanation, while Global Affairs Canada lends money to staff to cover the gap.
“It should not be covering the rear end, frankly, of a contractor that is just not up to the job.”