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 articleRadio-Canada report: problems with Canada Life and MSH International continue to hit federal public servants abroad. Pam Isfeld fears people are putting off medical care and says complaints are only the tip of the iceberg.
« Je pense que c’est injuste, c’est dangereux. »
PAFSO 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.”
One or two diplomats and mostly family members have left Canada’s missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah. Pam Isfeld says about 20 Canada-based staff were in the area and that evacuating non-essential staff in such situations is not unusual.
Read the articleGlobal Affairs Canada is deploying a team of specialized staff to support its emergency response to the Israel–Hamas war. Pam Isfeld says about 20 Canada-based staff, mostly foreign service officers, are in the affected areas.
Read the articleIRCC is setting up an independent ombudsperson’s office to address racism and discrimination complaints. Pam Isfeld says PAFSO, which represents IRCC staff abroad, was not formally consulted.
“We have not been formally consulted.”
Experts welcome the tone of the minister’s report on transforming Global Affairs Canada but say the real challenge will be implementing it, and that the situation is urgent.
Read the articleThe government’s plan to cut travel, consulting and professional services by about 15 per cent could hurt departments that rely on international engagement. Pam Isfeld questions why travel was lumped in with professional services.
“Why are those lumped together? I don’t understand.”