(Ottawa) The union representing Canadian diplomats wants Global Affairs Canada to consider paying bonuses to those stationed in the United States.
The reason: gun crime.
The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) says it knows that a diplomat witnessed five shootings and was evacuated from his office on multiple occasions.
The union also mentions that some of its members do not always have access to health care because of a problem with the diplomats’ insurance plan.
PAFSO President Pamela Isfeld says the federal government must offer the same benefits to diplomats stationed in the United States as those living in emerging countries because they face similar security challenges.
According to the union, Global Affairs Canada is struggling to recruit diplomats for its missions in the United States because of these concerns. He deplores that the ministry has not yet responded to his demands.
Roy Norton, a former diplomat, pours cold water on the idea of giving better pay to diplomats stationed in the United States, where many Canadians go to spend their vacations.
The idea is almost ridiculous, he argues. He points out that Canadians working in the United States can benefit from numerous benefits.