What’s Causing the Delay in Establishing Immigration Canada’s Ombudsperson Office?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has experienced numerous setbacks in their plans to establish an ombudsperson’s office dedicated to addressing workplace racism and discrimination. Initially, hopes were high when the IRCC announced its intention to have this pivotal office operational by fall 2023. However, this timeline was subsequently pushed to 2024, and as of now, no definitive launch date has been provided.
A statement released by the IRCC to CBC News highlighted the complexities involved in setting up the Ombuds Office. “The creation of the Ombuds Office is a significant undertaking and entails ongoing engagement with IRCC employees in Canada and throughout our global network. We want to make sure that we take the time required for the employee engagement to be meaningful,” the department emphasized.
Why Are Unions Concerned About the Progress of the Ombudsperson Office?
The importance of establishing the ombudsperson’s office cannot be overstated, given the troubling reports of racism within the department. Two prominent unions representing IRCC employees, the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) and the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO), have expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress and lack of direct consultation regarding the creation of this office.
CEIU’s national executive vice-president, Sargy Chima, voiced his concerns, stating, “Racism is happening all over. We need to tackle this. We need to address it. We’re not sure what the delay is.” The sentiment was echoed in a CEIU statement pointing out the urgent need for action: “It’s disappointing that, despite over three years passing, there’s still no progress.”
What Does the Data Say About Workplace Racism at IRCC?
Reports and surveys conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights in October 2021 have shed light on the severity of the issue within IRCC. One disturbing highlight from these reports included derogatory references made to certain African nations as “the dirty 30.” Other examples included racial slurs and discriminatory behavior from management and disappointment over missed professional development opportunities for racialized employees.
Further exacerbating the issue, a subsequent Pollara survey last summer disclosed testimonials from IRCC employees stationed overseas who experienced professional marginalization and witnessed overt racial prejudice, including the use of racial slurs and support for violence against certain nationalities among their group leaders.
What’s Being Done to Address These Concerns?
The IRCC has assured that it is consulting with other ombuds offices within the federal public service to gather insights and best practices for establishing their own office. Contacts have reportedly been made with the Taxpayer’s Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for the Victims of Crime, as confirmed by these entities.
However, not all contacted offices have been forthcoming about their communications. For example, the Office of the National Capital Commission Ombudsman has kept details of its discussions private, and several others indicated having no contact from the IRCC at all.
How Is the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Involved?
Interestingly, the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada (PSIC) has been looped into discussions about a different initiative at IRCC known as the “dissent channel.” This initiative aims to create a safe avenue for employees to voice their disagreements over policies. Bronwyn Johns-O’Hara, the communications manager for the PSIC, clarified that while they support such efforts, it is distinct from the kind of work typically undertaken by their office.
What Can We Expect Moving Forward?
Despite the delays and challenges, the need for the Ombudsperson Office at Immigration Canada remains pressing, particularly to address and rectify the issues of workplace racism and discrimination that have tarnished the department’s reputation. As the IRCC continues to engage in consultations and refines its plans, many hope for a renewed commitment to transparency and expedience in establishing this crucial office.
For more detailed information on processes and further updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, readers can visit the official IRCC website, which provides comprehensive resources and updates on immigration services and policies.
Learn Today:
- Ombudsperson’s Office: A specialized office dedicated to addressing workplace issues, such as racism and discrimination, within an organization. In the context of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the establishment of an ombudsperson’s office aims to provide a platform for employees to raise concerns and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
Workplace Racism: Refers to discriminatory practices, behaviors, or attitudes targeting individuals based on their race or ethnicity within a work environment. The reports of workplace racism within IRCC highlight the urgency for organizations to address and combat such discriminatory practices to create an inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees.
Union Representation: Unions, such as the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) and the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO), play a crucial role in representing and advocating for the rights and interests of employees within an organization. Union involvement in the progress of establishing the ombudsperson’s office indicates the importance of employee consultation and engagement in addressing workplace issues.
Pollara Strategic Insights: A research firm that conducts surveys and gathers data to provide insights into various issues, including workplace dynamics and employee experiences. The reports and surveys conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights shed light on the prevalence of workplace racism at IRCC, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address and eliminate discriminatory behaviors.
Public Sector Integrity Commissioner: The Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada (PSIC) is an independent entity responsible for safeguarding and upholding integrity and ethical standards within the federal public sector. Involvement of the PSIC in discussions, such as the “dissent channel” initiative at IRCC, underscores the importance of maintaining ethical practices and ensuring transparency in organizational processes.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Delays in setting up Canada’s Immigration Ombudsperson Office stem from complexities and employee engagement needs, causing concerns for tackling workplace racism. Surveys revealed racial derogation and lack of inclusivity within the department, prompting calls for urgent action. IRCC is consulting with other ombuds offices but faces challenges in progress.
— By VisaVerge.com
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