Black Employees at Global Affairs Canada Raise Concerns Over Systemic Racism

Current and former Black employees at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) have come forward alleging that the department fails to take complaints of racism seriously, raising concerns about systemic discrimination in Canada’s federal public service.

Speaking at a news conference on Parliament Hill, Madina Iltireh, who worked over 20 years in foreign aid administration, said, “I was representing Canada, but Canada did not represent me.” Iltireh, who is Black and wears a hijab, highlighted her struggles within the workplace, describing her three-year posting at an embassy in Kuwait as “toxic and suffocating.”

Investigations ordered by the courts revealed that a diplomat overseeing the embassy had bullied Iltireh and engaged in discriminatory practices. However, her complaints were initially dismissed by internal panels before being upheld externally, with no compensation awarded.

The Black Class Action Secretariat, led by Nicholas Marcus Thompson, is mounting legal challenges claiming systemic racism and discrimination across the federal public service. Thompson pointed out that numerous employees from minority backgrounds have had complaints rejected internally, with investigations only resulting in justice after outside intervention.

While GAC has introduced reforms under the Future of Diplomacy initiative — including merit-based promotion, a streamlined complaint system, and a well-being ombudsperson — critics say these measures fail to adequately address the needs of Black employees. Thompson called for stronger anti-discrimination legislation and independent panels to investigate claims.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand emphasized that discrimination is unacceptable and pledged to address systemic issues. She noted the importance of inclusivity and diversity in strengthening both the government and the nation, adding that at least one of the cases cited by the secretariat is under review.