Minority rights advocates are emphasizing the need for whistleblower protection reform within the public service at Global Affairs Canada following the case of a former diplomat who had to resort to the Federal Court to address discrimination complaints against her employer.
After nearly four years since her assignment in Kuwait, Madina Iltireh’s account of events at the embassy there has finally been acknowledged. An investigation report from Global Affairs Canada revealed that four out of her eight allegations against Canada’s former ambassador to Kuwait were substantiated, although the report did not provide specific recommendations.
Expressing her dissatisfaction, Iltireh highlighted the absence of an apology and urged the department to demonstrate tangible improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future. She is now seeking compensation for her distressing experience.
Facing challenges during her tenure in Kuwait, Iltireh, a Black woman who wears a hijab, reported instances of racial harassment and discrimination. Despite seeking assistance, the investigation revealed that she struggled to adapt to her role, affecting her performance due to her lack of diplomatic experience.
The investigation further pointed out that the ambassador’s inaction contributed to a hostile work environment, fostering bullying and discrimination. This failure to address the situation adequately had a detrimental impact on Iltireh’s mental well-being and self-esteem.
Additionally, the report highlighted the ambassador’s failure to ensure a safe living environment for Iltireh and her family, citing issues such as poor maintenance of the official residence and delayed responses to maintenance requests.
Following a series of obstacles in filing a formal complaint upon her return to Canada, Iltireh eventually took her case to the Federal Court in September 2024, which mandated GAC to conduct an investigation.
Supporting Iltireh, career diplomat Tariq Gordon emphasized that her case is not isolated, with several other GAC employees reporting similar experiences of discrimination in the workplace. Gordon underscored the importance of addressing such issues promptly and effectively within the department.
GAC acknowledged the necessity of complying with the federal government’s workplace harassment and violence prevention policy. The department is considering implementing a standardized complaint intake model to enhance employee recourse options and foster a positive work culture.
Nicholas Marcus Thompson, CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat, criticized the existing whistleblower system within GAC, calling for significant reforms to combat discrimination effectively. Thompson urged the government to establish resolution committees and independent investigative bodies to address discrimination cases promptly.
In response to the ongoing concerns, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand’s office refrained from commenting, while emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment.
Iltireh expressed hope that her experiences would prompt positive changes within the ministry to prevent similar instances of discrimination and harassment in the future.