Advocates for minority rights are emphasizing the necessity to enhance whistleblower protection within the public service at Global Affairs Canada following the case of a former diplomat who had to resort to the Federal Court to prompt her employer to address her discrimination grievances.
After almost four years since her posting in Kuwait, Madina Iltireh’s account of events at the embassy has finally been acknowledged.
An investigation report by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) revealed that four out of her eight allegations against Canada’s former ambassador to Kuwait were substantiated.
Nevertheless, the report did not provide any specific recommendations.
“But still I don’t see any apology,” Iltireh remarked. “I need the department [to] show me change, that these kinds of things improved, that these kinds of things will never happen again.”
She is now seeking compensation for her ordeal.
I went through hell.– Madina Iltireh, former Canadian diplomat
Responding to queries from Radio-Canada, GAC stated it cannot comment on specific cases “or those for which certain steps are or may be underway.”
The department further stated that it “applies a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct or wrongdoing.”
The former ambassador to Kuwait mentioned in French that “it is preferable not to comment while a process is ongoing.”
An Arduous Assignment
Upon her arrival in Kuwait in the summer of 2018, Iltireh, who is Black and wears a hijab, encountered discrimination shortly after commencing her duties as an assistant to the ambassador.
In a formal complaint submitted to GAC, the ex-diplomat detailed being subjected to continuous incidents of racial harassment, discrimination, and intimidation throughout her three-year tenure in the country.
The investigation by the department revealed that Iltireh struggled to adapt to her new role and failed to meet performance objectives, largely attributed to her lack of diplomatic experience.
However, evidence presented during the investigation indicated that Iltireh sought assistance on multiple occasions.
Various witnesses interviewed by GAC characterized the situation as a “labor dispute” that evolved “for various reasons.”
They expressed concerns that Iltireh’s demeanor was inappropriate, she excessively relied on support to fulfill her duties, encountered language barriers, and displayed unfriendliness, as per GAC’s findings.
Consequently, some individuals spoke unfavorably about her, leading to strained relationships, ultimately causing Iltireh to feel isolated and neglected.
The investigation concluded that the ambassador, by neglecting to address the situation, “abetted and condoned” bullying and discrimination in the workplace.
The report found that the ambassador, now working in a different country, failed in ensuring a conducive work environment for Iltireh.
Iltireh disclosed that the experience significantly impacted her mental well-being and self-esteem, resulting in anxiety and memory lapses, leading to errors.
“I went through hell,” she expressed. “I have to work hard to regain what I lost, but I’m still working on it.”
