Advocates for minority rights are emphasizing the need for reform in whistleblower protection within the public service at Global Affairs Canada, following a former diplomat’s struggle to address discrimination complaints through a Federal Court appeal.
After nearly four years, Madina Iltireh’s account of events at the embassy in Kuwait has been acknowledged, with a Global Affairs Canada (GAC) investigation report revealing that four out of her eight discrimination allegations against Canada’s former ambassador to Kuwait were substantiated.
Despite this, the report did not provide specific recommendations.
Iltireh expressed her disappointment, stating, “But still I don’t see any apology. I need the department to demonstrate change, improvements in such occurrences, and assurance that they will not recur.”
She is now seeking compensation for her ordeal.
I went through hell.– Madina Iltireh, former Canadian diplomat
Responding to inquiries, GAC declined to comment on individual cases, stating that they cannot discuss matters under investigation or in progress.
The department reiterated its stance on maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct or wrongdoing.
Canada’s former ambassador to Kuwait refrained from commenting on the ongoing process.
Challenging Assignment
Black and wearing a hijab, Iltireh encountered discrimination shortly after her arrival in Kuwait in 2018 to serve as an assistant to the ambassador.
In her formal complaint to GAC, she described facing persistent incidents of racial harassment, discrimination, and intimidation during her three-year tenure in Kuwait.
The investigation revealed that Iltireh struggled to adapt to her role and meet performance standards due to her lack of diplomatic experience.
However, evidence submitted during the investigation indicated that Iltireh sought assistance on multiple occasions.
According to witnesses interviewed by GAC, the situation escalated into a labor dispute due to various factors, including concerns about Iltireh’s communication style, reliance on help for her duties, language barriers, and strained relationships.
The failure to address the situation effectively led to a culture of bullying and discrimination in the workplace, as per the investigation’s findings.
The former ambassador, now stationed in a different country, was deemed negligent in ensuring a conducive work environment for Iltireh.
Iltireh shared that the experience had a detrimental impact on her mental well-being and self-esteem, resulting in anxiety and memory lapses.
“I went through hell,” she recounted. “I have to work hard to regain what I lost, but I’m still on the path to recovery.”
Before leaving the Middle East, Iltireh was denied access to the embassy’s secure area without justification, which the GAC report identified as discriminatory.
Lack of Adequate Facilities
The report also highlighted the ambassador’s failure to ensure a safe living environment for Iltireh and her family during their stay in Kuwait.
She confirmed instances of poor maintenance at the official residence, including malfunctioning equipment, electrical issues, and delayed repairs despite repeated requests.
Upon
