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.”
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.”
All of Canada’s heads of mission signed a joint letter warning that the health insurance situation for staff abroad is “untenable.” Pam Isfeld says problems began as soon as MSH International took over.
Read the articleGlobal National video report (2 minutes): pressure on the federal government to revitalize Canada’s diplomatic corps in the United States.
Read the articlePAFSO says Global Affairs Canada should consider higher pay for postings in the United States, given the risk of gun crime and difficulty accessing health care. Pam Isfeld says U.S. security assessments aren’t as robust as elsewhere.
“If you were talking about a post in Africa where you had had half a dozen lockdowns because of active shooters … that would go into the security assessment of that post.”
Staff at Canada’s missions in Israel, the Palestinian territories and neighbouring countries are well prepared but face uncertainty as the war continues. Pam Isfeld describes a tough working environment.
“You have contingency plans, but it’s hard for people, because they’re tired, they’re stressed.”