Dear members,
Happy May Day everyone. It’s hard to believe that more than a third of the year has passed us by. It’s certainly been busy and stressful for everyone given the global political situation. But as summer approaches I hope that everyone will get a chance to spend some time with loved ones, all around packing up for the moving season.
Update on Work Force Adjustment (WFA)
Regarding seniority calculations, within the context of the Voluntary Departure Program (VDP), GAC has indicated that members with specific questions are encouraged to contact GAC directly. The department would be pleased to review a member’s file and provide detailed information on how the calculations were made. Where necessary, GAC has committed to correcting its assessments following a secondary review and will take appropriate measures on a case-by-case basis to ensure rights are respected. Questions related to seniority, within the context of VDP requests, can be sent to CorporateCompensation-RemunerationMinisterielle@international.gc.ca
We understand that PAFSO members who are no longer affected by WFA have been informed that reduction targets have been met and that, as a result, their affected status has been officially rescinded.
Important Victory Regarding PSHCP Coverage for Gender Affirming Care
On April 4, a PAFSO member received the results of their appeal to the Public Service Healthcare Plan Administration Authority concerning a claim related to gender-affirming care. The appeal was upheld in a decision that affirms two key principles. First, that gender-affirming care is basic health care. And second, that foreign service officers deserve access to healthcare equal to that available to federal public servants in Canada.
Specifically, the decision states that gender-affirming care procedures that would be covered by provincial health care plans are to be considered under the Basic Health Care Provision and not gender affirmation under the Extended Health Provision. This has three implications:
- There is no country of residence limitation for the Basic Health Care Provision (therefore it does not apply)
- Surgery covered under the Basic Health Care Provision is reimbursed at 100% (as opposed to 80% under the Extended Health Provision)
- Surgery covered under Basic Health Care is not capped (as opposed to the $75,000 lifetime cap for gender affirmation under the Extended Health Provision)
This is excellent news not only for the member in question but for others who are considering challenging some of the plans more restrictive measures which disadvantage members and their dependents abroad. This was not an easy process for the member having to undertake the whole process by mail given their current status at post abroad, but now others facing this challenge will hopefully have a smoother time getting the care they need, whether at home or abroad. On behalf of all PAFSO members, congratulations and thank you for taking on such a daunting challenge.
If you have questions or would like to connect with the member, you are welcome to contact us at info@pafso.com, and we will pass your message on.
PAFSO Breakfast on Collective Bargaining with PAFSO Chief Negotiator Paul Raven
On Tuesday, May 12 at 9:00 am EST, PAFSO’s Chief Negotiator (and Labour Relations Lead) Paul Raven will join us for an information session that will focus on:
- General information on collective bargaining, i.e. how it works, what’s included and what’s not
- Specifics of the PAFSO collective bargaining timelines
- Basic priorities as identified by previous member surveys (November and February)
It should be noted that this will NOT be a strategy session as the PAFSO Bargaining Committee (which has member representation through ExCom members) has already developed a preliminary strategy, but a more general information session on the process. The session will not be recorded and available for public view due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
Register for the session at this link.
Social Media Survey
As the Communications Committees works on finalizing a revised Communications Plan for PAFSO, they are seeking member input on social media usage and how they would like to see PAFSO more engaged on that front. It is a short survey which should only take a few minutes and will allow the committee to tailor our messaging moving forward.
You can find the survey here.
AmbCanada Luncheon & Talk with Philippe Rheault – May 14
AmbCanada is hosting a luncheon and talk (live streamed) with Philippe Rheault on May 14 at 11:30 EST at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. He is currently the Director of the China Institute and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta. He is also a former Foreign Service officer whose most recent posting was in Guangzhou.
Philippe will share his views on the evolving dynamics of Canada–China relations, providing us with both a historical overview as well as an assessment of PM Carney’s recent efforts to develop a more strategic relationship with China. He will also share some insights acquired through the recent Canada–China Track II dialogues.
You can register for the in-person luncheon or for the virtual livestream. A credit card is required to register for the luncheon.
PAFSO Insurance Program
The PAFSO Insurance Committee has asked me to remind everyone of the programs available to members. It’s especially important that you examine your insurance plan before you leave on posting to ensure you have the best coverage for you and your family. Members can also take advantage of member discounts with Service Plus, specialized home and auto insurance for foreign service members, and PAFSO’s own life insurance program. Please visit PAFSO programs for more information.
As always, should you have any other concerns at work, do not hesitate to reach out to us. That’s what we’re here for. Are you having issues with your pay? Do you feel harassed or discriminated against? Do you have a grievance or a staffing complaint? Or do you just want some clarifications on our collective agreement or the FSDs? Whatever the case, PAFSO is here for you. Just send us an email with your name, department and a detailed description of your concerns. You can click here to learn more about all the member services PAFSO has to offer. For anything and everything else, please send us an email at info@pafso.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Until next time, please take care of yourselves and each other.
Pamela Isfeld
President of PAFSO