In a recent demand that emphasizes the major differences between Canada and United States, the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO), a union that stands for Canadian diplomats, has called on Global Affairs Canada to increase the compensation for diplomats in the United States.
PAFSO highlighted the higher exposure to gun violence in the United States as compared to Canada and the challenges diplomats encounter in accessing the U.S. healthcare system as major reasons for this call.
The demand of PAFSO stems from the view that the current compensation does not reflect the increased risks and inconveniences connected with residing in the United States. The union cited instances where diplomats have witnessed shootings and have encountered delays in accessing medical care. They stated that factors like these should be recognized via an enhancement in compensation, to tackle the increased risks and difficulties encountered by diplomats and their families while on assignment in the United States.
PAFSO also drew attention to the challenges in staffing U.S. missions, emphasizing the lack of response from Global Affairs Canada. Meanwhile, the call for higher compensation has been met with different opinions. Former Canadian diplomat, Roy Norton, opposed the idea and stated that the unique nature of postings in the United States, such as engaging with civil society and business leaders, should be considered.
Also, Norton talked about the potential public backlash and budget constraints that might emanate from increased compensation.
