Advocates for minority rights are emphasizing the necessity of reforming whistleblower protection within the public service at Global Affairs Canada after a former diplomat had to resort to appealing to the Federal Court to prompt an investigation into her discrimination grievances.
Madina Iltireh, who was stationed in Kuwait for nearly four years, has finally seen her side of the story regarding the events at the embassy heard, as revealed in a Global Affairs Canada (GAC) investigation report obtained by Radio-Canada. The report confirmed four of her eight complaints against Canada’s former ambassador to Kuwait.
Despite the findings, the report did not provide any specific recommendations, leaving Iltireh dissatisfied. She expressed the need for visible changes within the department to prevent similar incidents from occurring again and is now seeking compensation for her distressing experience.
I went through hell.– Madina Iltireh, former Canadian diplomat
In response, GAC stated that it cannot comment on individual cases or ongoing processes, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and wrongdoing. The former ambassador declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
Challenging Circumstances
Upon her arrival in Kuwait in 2018, Iltireh, a Black woman who wears a hijab, faced discrimination shortly after starting her role as an assistant to the ambassador. She detailed incidents of racial harassment, discrimination, and intimidation throughout her tenure in Kuwait in a formal complaint to GAC.
Although the department’s investigation acknowledged Iltireh’s struggles in adjusting to her new role and meeting performance expectations due to her lack of diplomatic background, evidence indicated that Iltireh had sought assistance multiple times. Witnesses described the situation as a labor dispute arising from various factors, leading to strained relations and feelings of exclusion for Iltireh.
The investigation revealed that the ambassador’s inaction in addressing the situation contributed to fostering a hostile work environment where bullying and discrimination were tolerated. This failure to intervene led to detrimental effects on Iltireh’s mental well-being and self-esteem.
As her time in Kuwait neared its end, Iltireh was even denied access to the embassy’s secure area without justification, further highlighting discriminatory practices within the workplace, as outlined in the GAC report.
Inadequate Living Conditions
The report also criticized the ambassador for failing to ensure a safe living environment for Iltireh and her family during their stay in Kuwait. The official residence provided substandard living conditions, with delayed maintenance requests for essential services like air conditioning, lighting, and laundry facilities.
Upon returning to Canada, Iltireh faced obstacles in filing a formal complaint about her experiences, leading to her eventual appeal to the Federal Court in September 2024, which compelled GAC to initiate an investigation.
‘Not an Isolated Incident’
Throughout her ordeal, career diplomat Tariq Gordon supported Iltireh and emphasized that her case is not unique. Other GAC employees have reported similar discriminatory experiences and have started the complaint process.
Gordon, along with other affected individuals, established a peer support group to address similar incidents of discrimination and harassment within the public service.
GAC’s Reviewing Process
GAC reiterated its commitment to following the federal government’s workplace harassment policy and investigating allegations of misconduct professionally and impartially.